Golf legend Tiger Woods has spoken out in support of former President Donald Trump’s decision to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the honor “well deserved” and praising Kirk’s lifelong commitment to “faith, freedom, and the betterment of young Americans.”

The ceremony — held Monday at Mar-a-Lago, on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday — drew an audience of family members, friends, and several high-profile figures from the worlds of politics, sports, and media. It marked the first major public event in which Trump has awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor since leaving the White House.

Tiger Woods’s Statement: ‘Completely Deserved’

Tiger Woods, who was unable to attend in person due to overseas commitments, shared his thoughts through a video message played during the ceremony. In it, the 15-time major champion expressed deep admiration for Kirk’s work and legacy, describing the late activist as a “visionary who believed in empowering the next generation.”

“Charlie Kirk represented something America needs more of — courage, conviction, and a love for this country that never wavered,” Woods said.

“The Medal of Freedom is not just a recognition of what he did, but of what he stood for. It’s completely deserved, and I fully support everything Charlie worked for. His passion for faith, family, and freedom left a mark that will last long after all of us.”

The statement, which was later shared on Woods’s official social media accounts, quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking intense discussion online. Many praised Woods for taking a firm stance on an issue that combined patriotism, culture, and political legacy.

A Historic and Emotional Ceremony

The ceremony was deeply emotional for those close to Kirk, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. President Trump, who presented the award to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, described him as “a fighter, a patriot, and a true believer in the American dream.”

“Charlie Kirk spent his life defending the values that built this nation — faith, family, hard work, and love of country,” Trump said in his remarks. “He inspired millions of young people to think for themselves, to love their country, and to never apologize for believing in America. Today, we honor that spirit forever.”

Attendees included several prominent conservative figures, faith leaders, and athletes who had previously collaborated with Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, which has grown into one of the largest youth-focused political movements in the United States.

Following the award presentation, Trump personally thanked Tiger Woods for his video message, calling him “a class act and a true American champion.”

Tiger Woods and Charlie Kirk: A Quiet Friendship

Though their paths rarely crossed publicly, Woods and Kirk shared mutual respect rooted in discipline, leadership, and mentorship. Sources close to both families say the two first met in 2022 during a private charity golf outing in Jupiter, Florida, organized to raise funds for youth development programs.

According to one attendee, Kirk was “deeply inspired” by Woods’s story of perseverance and comeback after his 2021 car accident, while Woods was equally impressed by Kirk’s ability to mobilize and inspire young Americans through civic engagement.

“They came from completely different worlds, but both shared a belief in hard work, faith, and personal responsibility,” said one friend of Woods. “Tiger admired Charlie’s ability to stand firm under pressure — something he knows a lot about himself.”

That mutual admiration reportedly continued through text messages and private conversations over the next few years. When news of Kirk’s sudden passing broke earlier in 2025, Woods sent condolences to the family and made a private donation to one of Kirk’s favorite charities focused on leadership education.

Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Impact

Born in 1993, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old. What began as a small college organization soon grew into a national movement with chapters on hundreds of campuses, advocating for conservative principles, free markets, and limited government.

Over the past decade, Kirk became one of the most influential young voices in American politics — both admired and criticized for his outspoken defense of traditional values and his sharp critiques of what he called “the cultural decay of the modern Left.”

While his methods and rhetoric often sparked debate, even critics acknowledged Kirk’s organizational skill and unmatched ability to connect with young audiences. His sudden death earlier this year — the result of a cardiac event, according to family statements — left a profound void in conservative circles.

“Charlie Kirk was one of the most dynamic organizers of his generation,” said journalist Ben Shapiro during the ceremony. “He inspired millions to care about their country again — to realize that loving America isn’t something to apologize for.”

Social Media Reaction: Support and Debate

Following Woods’s statement, reactions poured in from across the political and sports spectrum. Supporters hailed Woods’s comments as courageous and genuine, while others criticized what they perceived as the blending of sports celebrity and political ideology.

“Tiger Woods has always been a role model for discipline and greatness. Hearing him support Charlie’s legacy shows how far that legacy reached,” tweeted Candace Owens.

“It’s disappointing to see athletes involving themselves in politics this way,” countered Keith Olbermann, a former ESPN anchor. “The Medal of Freedom should unite, not divide.”

Despite the mixed reactions, Woods’s endorsement added significant visibility to the event — bridging the worlds of sports, faith, and politics in a way few other athletes could.

Trump’s Continuing Bond with Tiger Woods

This isn’t the first time Woods and Trump have shared the spotlight over the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2019, during his presidency, Trump awarded Woods the very same medal after the golfer’s historic Masters comeback — a gesture that symbolized respect across political lines at the time.

Their enduring friendship has been described as one built on mutual admiration for discipline, leadership, and resilience. Woods’s latest statement praising Trump’s decision further reinforces that connection.

“Tiger has always respected the presidency, regardless of politics,” said a close source. “He believes in recognizing people who give their all — whether that’s on the golf course or in the arena of ideas.”

A Symbolic Moment for America

As the ceremony concluded, the audience stood in a moment of silence before a video montage celebrating Kirk’s life played to the tune of “God Bless the USA.” The atmosphere was one of both mourning and pride — a blend of patriotism and personal tribute.

For many attendees, Woods’s words carried special weight, representing a bridge between generations and worlds: sports, activism, and the shared pursuit of excellence.

“Charlie inspired people to stand up for what they believe in, and Tiger reminded us why that courage matters,” said one attendee. “It was a reminder that greatness — in any form — deserves to be honored.”

As the sun set over Mar-a-Lago, President Trump’s final words summed up the emotion of the day:

“Charlie Kirk may be gone, but his spirit lives on — in every young American who loves their country. And thanks to voices like Tiger Woods, that spirit will never fade.”