Trump honors Charlie Kirk as ‘Warrior for God’ during AmericaFest tribute
A special video message from @POTUS at @TPUSA's AmericaFest: "We continue to grieve Charlie's horrific murder — and as you can see in Phoenix, we carry on this fight with the help of thousands of his fellow warriors..." pic.twitter.com/O16y2uiXYA
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 21, 2025
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.
‘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.
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.
“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.”