The Media Research Center announced Wednesday that it is awarding its annual Free Speech Award exclusively to Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA and a fearless defender of the First Amendment. This approach differs from that taken in 2024, when 35 people were recognized for their strong efforts to defend free speech rights.
Kirk died a martyr on Sept. 10, 2025, while doing what he loved most: standing up for truth and unapologetically speaking his convictions without fear. MRC leadership decided to make this singular award to Kirk because no other free speech advocate sacrificed so much for the First Amendment.
Kirk remained steadfast in his defense of free speech rights for all, including those who disagreed with him. He embodied the very principles of free speech that defined his life’s mission.
In a statement, MRC President David Bozell paid tribute to Kirk, stating, “There are no awards or recognitions that could fully capture the impact Charlie Kirk had on this generation of leaders, but it is our duty to continue honoring his work and keeping his legacy alive.”
In response to MRC’s celebration of Kirk’s legacy, Andrew Kolvet, Kirk’s friend and Turning Point USA spokesman, said:
“Charlie was completely devoted to open dialogue, debate, and free speech. He believed in the battle of ideas, not bullets. His life and legacy will be an eternal testament to his unwavering faith in the logos of God, the Word, and our ability to emulate our Creator with this uniquely American ideal enshrined as our very First Amendment. We must press forward and insist on one nation under God that follows Charlie’s example and picks up a microphone to make our case, not a gun.”
While Kirk’s life was cut short, he accomplished more than most could in a lifetime, leaving an enduring mark on the next generation of leaders.
Kirk brought his Christian faith, American values and conservative ideas to college campuses, one of the most neglected political battlegrounds. It was in these spaces where Kirk engaged directly with those he disagreed with while unapologetically standing by his beliefs.
Under his leadership, Turning Point USA became one of the fastest-growing freedom advocacy groups in America. Kirk himself became one of the most influential voices in our freedom-loving movement, chronicling its rise in several best-selling books.
As host of The Charlie Kirk Show, he challenged the legacy media’s monopoly on information by covering overlooked topics and encouraging millions of Americans to think critically on the most pressing issues of our time.
Kirk was also a founding member of the MRC Free Speech America Advisory Board, helping guide the organization’s mission to defend the First Amendment and push back against rampant Big Tech censorship.
Several other free speech champions will be recognized by MRC this week for their efforts to defend First Amendment rights in 2025. These individuals include executive branch officials, members of Congress, legal officers and advocacy leaders.
See the recipients of the 2024 MRC’s Free Speech Awards here:
MRC Announces First Annual Free Speech Award Winners from Senate: Cruz, Lee, Marshall, Paul, Schmitt
MRC Announces First Annual Free Speech Award Winners from AGs to Governors, State Legislators & FCC
MRC Announces First Annual Free Speech Award Winners: 10 Thought Leaders
