Trump Awards Posthumous Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk

US President Donald Trump has posthumously awarded conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally wounded on September 10 during a speech at the University of Utah. The ceremony symbolically took place on what would have been his 32nd birthday.

In his speech, President Trump praised Kirk's legacy, calling him a "visionary" and "a fearless freedom fighter who inspired the next generation in a way I've never seen." "He was a champion in everything," the US leader noted, admitting he had "traveled halfway around the world" to present the medal after securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The medal was accepted on his behalf by his widow, Erika Kirk, who took over as CEO of Turning Point USA days after her husband's death. She promised to continue the work he started. "God started a great work through my husband, and I intend to finish it. The torch is in our hands now," she declared.

Erika Kirk also thanked the presidential couple and the family of Vice President J.D. Vance for their "incredible support" and friendship. It is noted that the Vances are close friends of the Kirks and personally escorted Erika home, transporting her husband's casket on the presidential plane.