Overview

• Kirk became the first Medal of Freedom honoree of Trump’s second term as the president also proclaimed October 14 a National Day of Remembrance.
• Erika Kirk accepted the award on her late husband’s behalf and now leads Turning Point USA, which reports a surge in interest and new chapter inquiries.
• The ceremony drew senior officials and conservative media figures, including Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson and Fox News hosts.
• Trump returned overnight from a Middle East trip tied to a Gaza peace effort to preside over the Rose Garden commemoration on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
• Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with capital murder in the Sept. 10 shooting, citing DNA and alleged incriminating messages as they seek the death penalty.