(Washington) Donald Trump on Tuesday posthumously decorated his ally Charlie Kirk, an ultra-conservative influencer assassinated on September 10 during a public meeting, with the highest American civilian distinction, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The American president judged that the young man, shot dead at the age of 31, was a “martyr for truth and freedom”, comparable according to him to Socrates, Saint Peter, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King.
He recalled the very active role played by this Christian nationalist in mobilizing young people in his favor during the last presidential campaign.
PHOTO JOSH EDELSON, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk at a partisan rally in Phoenix, Arizona on December 22, 2024.
The 79-year-old Republican, during a ceremony in the gardens of the White House, also attacked his now recurring target, namely the far left, which according to him follows “the ideology of the devil”.
“We see legions of left-wing extremists resorting to acts of violence,” said Donald Trump, who deployed the army in several cities held by the Democratic opposition against the advice of local elected officials.
The American president assures that political violence in the United States only comes from the left, and never mentions attacks against democratic figures.
The widow of the murdered activist received the decoration on his behalf, before giving a speech during which she interrupted several times to contain her emotion.
“To everyone watching. This is not a ceremony, this is a marching order,” said Erika Kirk, who took over from her late husband as head of the radical right youth organization Turning Point USA.
“His mission did not die with him,” she further declared.
Charlie Kirk’s widow also said that if her husband had lived, “he probably would have run” for president.
The alleged murderer of the pro-Trump influencer, Tyler Robinson, 22, faces the death penalty. His next court appearance is expected on October 30.
