Erika Kirk, wife of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, receives the Medal of Freedom posthumously awarded to Charlie Kirk by U.S. President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
Trump administration officials rallied around Erika Kirk after her husband's assassination in September during a debate event at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk's casket was flown from Utah to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two and Vice President JD Vance escorted the casket as it was carried onto the plane. Later, second lady Usha Vance was seen holding Erika's hand as they departed Air Force Two.
Several members of the Trump administration, including the president and vice president, took part in a memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona on Sept. 21, 2025, just 11 days after the outspoken conservative icon was killed. During his address at the memorial service, Trump called Charlie Kirk a "martyr for American freedom."
With supporters gathered along the route, Erika Kirk waves as a motorcade brings the body of her husband, Charlie Kirk, to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Erika Kirk also thanked the vice president and second lady, saying that their friendship had been an "unbelievable encouragement."
Charlie Kirk was 31 when he was killed and left behind his wife and two young children — a son and a daughter.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/erika-kirk-trump-guest-state-union