Administration Education Department hangs banner of Charlie Kirk by Ashleigh Fields - 03/01/26 5:46 PM ET by Ashleigh Fields - 03/01/26 5:46 PM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING The Department of Education hung a banner of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk outside its headquarters as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday. Kirk was publicly assassinated on the campus of Utah Valley University last year by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Prosecutors are seeking  the death penalty  in their case against Robinson. Kirk founded Turning Point USA to promote conservative values on college campuses across the country. President Trump and Vice President Vance have credited him for helping them win the 2024 election. Kirk’s image hangs alongside separate banners honoring Catharine Beecher and Booker T. Washington. A banner next to them read s “Empowering our States to tell the Stories of our Heroes in American Education.” “We are proud to honor visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the future of education for generations. Their work reflects Benjamin Franklin’s timeless belief that ‘an investment in knowledge pays the best interest,’” Savannah Newhouse, press secretary for the Department of Education, told The Hill in a statement.  “As our country marks a historic 250th milestone, this moment invites us all to join in the pursuit of fostering educational opportunity that empowers every learner to rise, contribute, and help shape a brighter future for generations yet to come,” she added.  Kirk has been revered by the Trump administration as a conservative activist, while Beecher is remembered as a champion of women’s education. Washington advocated for education rights for Black people. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice unveiled a banner with a photo of President Trump. Add as preferred source on Google Tags Benjamin Franklin Charlie Kirk Charlie Kirk Department of Education Donald Trump Trump administration Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More Administration News See All Administration Live updates: Trump says there will ‘likely be more’ American deaths in Iran conflict; Democrats push for war powers vote by The Hill Staff 23 minutes ago Administration  /  23 minutes ago