Trump hailed the Turning Point USA founder "a beloved leader who galvanized the next generation" and an "extraordinary champion."

Trump spent most of the ceremony rambling about himself, and at one point said Kirk "looked a little bit older for his age, but that's OK."

Kirk, who would have turned 32 on Tuesday, was shot and killed during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University last month. The ceremony was held in the Rose Garden, the first high-profile event in the garden since Trump ordered the area to go under a revamp earlier this year.