Trump honors Charlie Kirk as ‘Warrior for God’ during AmericaFest tribute

Donald Trump paid tribute to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom and praising his legacy
Donald Trump remembered Charlie Kirk in a video message during AmericaFest (Fox News/X, Getty Images)
Donald Trump remembered Charlie Kirk in a video message during AmericaFest (Fox News/X, Getty Images)


PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest saw several prominent figures take the stage on Sunday, December 21, 2025, including Donald Trump Jr., who phoned President Donald Trump to deliver a special message to attendees.

A highlight of the event was a pre-recorded video remembering the late Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA. In the message, Trump remembered Kirk as an “incredible patriot” and a “warrior for God and country” as he posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 22:  U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with conservative activist Char
Donald Trump shook hands with Charlie Kirk at the Generation Next Summit in Washington DC in 2018 (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

‘We carry on his fight’ Trump remembers late Charlie Kirk

As the video began, Trump said he was set to “honor and remember” the late Charlie Kirk, calling him a “generational leader” and a friend “stolen” from the nation far too soon.

“He was a fantastic person,” Trump added.

Trump praised Kirk for giving everything he had, including his life, to try to save America from those who sought to destroy it. While awarding Kirk the Medal of Freedom, he acknowledged the nation’s grief over the “horrific murder” and said Kirk’s fight was being carried on by thousands of his “warriors.”

The president also lauded Erika Kirk, Charlie’s “wonderful and courageous widow,” noting that no one was more excited about the achievements of their movement than Charlie Kirk himself. 

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 21: Mrs. Erika Kirk joins U.S. President Donald Trump onstage during the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10th while speaking at an event during his
Erika Kirk joined Donald Trump onstage during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Glendale Arizona (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Trump highlights achievements under his administration

Trump emphasized that 2.5 million more Americans had become employed since his administration began, calling it an “incredible” milestone and the highest in the nation’s history. He touted the largest tax cuts, regulatory reductions, and spending cuts in US history.

The president added that his administration made the country more affordable with wage gains and falling prices for gasoline, mortgages, and groceries. He also noted progress in foreign policy, citing eight peace deals and the prevention of wars within nine months.

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk spoke at Utah Valley University during his American Comeback Tour before his death (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

“Every day in my administration, we will keep on fighting for Charlie and the country,” Trump said.

Trump concluded by saying that Charlie Kirk had given his life defending the nation because of his deep love for America. In his honor, Trump said they would continue to “make America greater than ever before.”

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The holdout juror, Michael P Desronvil, said he believed the physical evidence and witness testimony showed Lindsay Clancy knew what she was doing
1 hour ago
Alina Habba’s wedding guest list included Mike Tyson, Kash Patel, Todd Blanche and White House aide Margo Martin
3 hours ago
Susie Wiles, who announced last week that she was cancer-free, said her work helped her maintain a sense of purpose during her treatment
3 hours ago
In a post on X, Edward Paltzik, described defense lawyer Kevin Reddington filing as a threat to constitutional protections
12 hours ago
Nicki Minaj argued that people should not necessarily form their entire understanding of Trump from what they encounter in news coverage
14 hours ago
The Trump admin revamped the SAVE system last year, linking it to additional government data, including Social Security Administration records
1 day ago
Alina Habba and Turhan Mildon celebrated with ornate floral decor, caviar, champagne and a guest list that included Mike Tyson
1 day ago
'He has a Secret Service detail. None of our newborns had that before,' Usha said, calling it an absurdity because Alec is almost always with her
1 day ago
Sylvester Stallone said there was a difference between starting a war and defending a nation under attack, which he said was necessary
1 day ago
The Knoxville flyover also brought back Trump's own story about asking a pilot to make a low pass over a stadium
1 day ago