Trump meets Charlie Kirk’s parents after honoring their son with Presidential Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump was seen consoling the slain conservative icon Charlie Kirk's parents on Tuesday, October 14, after honoring their son with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Trump presented Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of her husband as he hailed Kirk’s wisdom and activism in support of the conservative movement and his presidential campaign.

Charlie Kirk's dad teared up while hugging Erika

On Tuesday, President Trump was seen talking with Charlie Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, during a ceremony at the White House, where the POTUS posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to their son.

A viral clip on social media shows Trump meeting Charlie's parents and shaking hands while they speak to the president.

Trump is then seen whispering something into Robert Kirk's ears. The clip then shows Erika coming and hugging her father-in-law, as both start to shed tears.

Charlie Kirk’s parents remained away from the spotlight after the conservative activist's death. They were seen for the first time during the ceremony in the White House Rose Garden.

Meanwhile, Senator Marsha Blackburn posted a photo on Instagram with Charlie Kirk's parents and wrote, "It was an honor to share a special moment with Charlie Kirk’s parents at the White House today. The loss they have endured is unimaginable. Charlie’s legacy will never be forgotten, and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to his life than the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

While accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Erika said, "Thank you, Mr President, for honoring my husband in such a profound way. Charlie always admired your commitment to freedom."

She also offered thanks to first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and friends and family "watching from all around the world," as well as to Turning Point USA staff and chapters nationwide. Erika said, "You are the heartbeat of this future and of this movement. Everything Charlie built lives through you."

During her speech, Erika recalled how Charlie often wrote about freedom.

"He believed that liberty was both a right and a responsibility. And he used to say that freedom is the ability to do what is right without fear. And that’s how he lived," she said.

Erika also mentioned, "His name, Charles, literally means ‘free man.’ And that’s exactly who my husband was. From the time I met him, sitting across from him being interviewed about politics, philosophy and theology, I saw the fire in his soul".

"There was this divine restlessness within him that came from knowing God placed him on this earth to protect something very sacred. He never stopped fighting for people to experience freedom," she added.

Trump timed Medal of Freedom ceremony with Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday

President Trump, who returned from a whirlwind Middle East peace mission, said on Tuesday, "I raced back halfway around the globe. I was going to call Erika and ask, 'Could you maybe move it to Friday?' but I didn't have the courage to call."

"But you know why I didn't call? Because I heard today was Charlie's birthday," the president added.

He praised Charlie Kirk for always believing that peace in the Middle East could be achieved.

Trump also hailed Kirk’s wisdom and activism in support of the conservative movement and his presidential campaign.

The POTUS added that, "Without him, who knows, maybe we would have Kamala standing here today. That would not be good," referring to his former presidential rival in the 2024 campaign.

"Everything he did was historic. A true evangelist with the cause of freedom and the word of almighty God," Trump said.