President Trump announced at the start of his remarks at the Pentagon 9/11 memorial that slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said, announcing the nation's highest civilian honor. "I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
Trump extended "our prayers" to Kirk's wife, Erika, and their children, and said the date for the award ceremony will be announced. "I can only guarantee you one thing, that we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big," he added.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is conferred by the president to individuals who have made significant contributions to the national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural pursuits or other public or private endeavors. Past recipients have included political figures, activists and cultural leaders; the award is widely regarded as the nation's highest civilian honor.
Kirk, who founded the conservative activist group Turning Point USA and became a prominent commentator and organizer in conservative circles, was widely known for his advocacy on college campuses and for conservative causes. Officials at the Pentagon and the White House have not announced a date for the medal ceremony and provided no further details during the 9/11 memorial remarks.
The announcement came as Trump began his remarks at the Pentagon observance to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The president used the platform to honor victims of the 2001 attacks and to highlight figures he described as exemplars of American values.
Requests for additional comment from the administration and from representatives for Kirk's family were not immediately returned. News organizations covering the event have reported on the president's remarks in real time, noting the posthumous award announcement as part of the morning's observances.
Further details on the timing and logistics of the medal presentation are expected to be released by the White House at a later date, the president said. The announcement underscores the continuing role of the medal as a vehicle for presidents to recognize individuals who have significantly influenced public life in the United States.