The president made the announcement Thursday, one day after Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, pundit, and conservative political activist, was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Trump made the announcement when speaking at the Pentagon, commemorating the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

"Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans have at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk," Trump said. "Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people."

"I'm pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump said. "The date of the ceremony will be announced. I can only guarantee you one thing, we will have a big crowd, very, very, big."

Trump also paid tribute to Kirk's wife Erika and two young children.

"We miss him greatly, and yet I have no doubt that Charlie's voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on," the president said.

Vice President JD Vance traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday to meet with the Kirk family, The Hill reported.  Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

Fred Lucas is chief news correspondent and manager of the Investigative Reporting Project for The Daily Signal. He is the author of "The Myth of Voter Suppression: The Left's Assault on Clean Elections."

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