On October 14, 2025, Erika Kirk accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of her late husband, Charlie Kirk, during a ceremony held in the Rose Garden of the White House.
The event coincided with what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Erika delivered an emotional tribute highlighting Charlie’s dedication to freedom and his admiration for President Donald Trump’s commitment to liberty.
She expressed gratitude to the first lady, the vice president, and Turning Point USA staff and chapters nationwide, emphasizing that Charlie’s legacy lives on through them.
Erika Kirk reflected on the significance of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, noting its roots in America’s founding principles and the Constitution’s preamble.
She described freedom as a divine endowment and recounted how Charlie often wrote about liberty as both a right and a responsibility.
She shared that Charlie believed freedom meant the ability to do what is right without fear, a principle he lived by.
Erika also revealed the meaning behind Charlie’s name, Charles, which means "free man," and spoke of the divine restlessness that drove him to protect sacred freedoms.
Recalling Charlie’s philosophy, Erika said he often stated that "without God, freedom becomes chaos" and that liberty must be anchored in truth.
She highlighted his efforts in building Turning Point USA, not just as an organization but as a movement calling people back to God and truth with courage.
Erika painted a picture of Charlie’s love for simple pleasures such as quiet walks, books, and observing the Sabbath.
She shared personal anecdotes, including his birthday tradition of mint chocolate chip ice cream and his wish to see the Oregon Ducks win against Ohio State.
Erika also spoke about Charlie’s final moments, noting that he wore a T-shirt bearing the word "freedom," symbolizing his lifelong banner.
She emphasized that Charlie encouraged independent thinking beyond political labels and sought to multiply freedom by inspiring young people to understand and defend liberty as self-governance under God.
She described his fearless conviction, unwavering faith in Christ, and his commitment to truth even when unpopular or costly.
Erika honored Charlie’s life as a testimony to freedom, concluding that he now wears the crown of a righteous martyr.
In closing, Erika shared heartfelt messages from their children and expressed her deep personal loss.
She urged those present and watching to embody the spirit of the medal by freeing themselves from fear and standing courageously in truth.
She reminded everyone that freedom, while inherited, requires intentional stewardship.
Erika ended with a poignant tribute: "To live free is the greatest gift, but to die free is the greatest victory.
Happy birthday, Charlie.
Happy freedom day."