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
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
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.”

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