In a surprising turn of events, a growing number of conservative voices are calling on former President Donald Trump to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the late Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who passed away unexpectedly.
Supporters argue that Kirk’s contributions to conservative youth movements and his tireless efforts to promote “America First” values deserve the nation’s highest civilian honor. They emphasize his role in mobilizing a new generation of conservatives, often pointing to his influence on college campuses and social media.
“Charlie Kirk was a fighter for freedom, free speech, and traditional American values,” one conservative commentator wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “No one energized young conservatives the way he did.”
While the Presidential Medal of Freedom is traditionally awarded by a sitting president, Trump’s supporters are urging him to make a symbolic gesture and announce Kirk as a recipient should he return to office. Some have even floated the idea of Trump hosting a private ceremony to honor Kirk’s legacy.
Critics, however, caution that politicizing the Medal of Freedom could further divide an already polarized nation. They point to previous controversies when Trump awarded the honor to conservative figures such as Rush Limbaugh.
Still, the calls are growing louder within conservative circles, framing Kirk not only as a political activist but as a cultural figure who reshaped the future of right-wing politics in America.
For now, Trump has not publicly responded to the request. But given Kirk’s close ties to the MAGA movement, many believe it’s only a matter of time before the former president weighs in.