Presidential Medal of Freedom: Trump to honour Charlie Kirk with highest civilian award; know all about it

US president Donald Trump has announced that conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom . The 31-year-old was shot dead on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.

"I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump said.

Confirming the award, Trump described Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions.” In a Truth Social post, the president added that Kirk was “loved and admired by all, especially me,” while extending condolences to his wife Erika and their family.

What is Presidential Medal of Freedom?

• The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States.
• It was established by president John F Kennedy in 1963.
• The honour is given to people who make significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields
• There is no formal nomination process for the award. The president has complete discretion to decide who should receive it.
• Since its creation, the medal has been awarded more than 670 times.
• Past recipients include Martin Luther King Jr, Jackie Robinson, Pope John XXIII, and former president Joe Biden.
• Some, such as Colin Powell and Ellsworth Bunker, have received the honour twice.
• A special version of the award, known as “with distinction,” has been presented to figures such as Pope Francis and the Apollo 11 astronauts.