US President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was killed final month whereas talking at Utah Valley College. The occasion coincided with what would have been Kirk’s thirty second birthday and recognised his function in shaping a technology of younger conservatives and influencing the nation’s politics. Kirk, the founding father of Turning Level USA, was shot useless whereas addressing college students. Trump, who had attended Kirk’s funeral in September and described him as a “nice American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, was current on the ceremony together with vice chairman JD Vance, who had escorted Kirk’s widow Erika and his physique again to Arizona on Air Pressure Two.“We’re right here to honor and keep in mind a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved chief who galvanized the following technology like no person I’ve ever seen earlier than, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the best high quality and the very best caliber.” He additionally mentioned that Kirk had been assassinated for talking the reality, residing his religion, and preventing for a stronger America.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by John F Kennedy, recognises people who make distinctive contributions to the nation’s safety, cultural endeavours, or private and non-private initiatives. Trump has beforehand awarded the medal to figures together with Tiger Woods, Lou Holtz, Arthur Laffer, Mariano Rivera, Rush Limbaugh, and posthumously to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley. Tuesday’s ceremony adopted Trump’s return from a diplomatic journey to Israel and Egypt, the place he helped mark a ceasefire in Gaza. The occasion was moved to the Rose Backyard to accommodate a big crowd. Argentine President Javier Milei, who had visited the White Home earlier, additionally attended.