GLENDALE, Arizona – President Donald Trump used Charlie Kirk’s memorial service to portray the slain conservative activist’s killing as an assault on the entire country and vowed that it would not go unanswered.
“The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us,” Trump declared, casting the 31-year-old’s assassination as a strike against American freedoms.
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Speaking before tens of thousands at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Trump portrayed the killing as a broader national assault, saying Kirk’s death should be seen not just as an attack on one man or one movement, but on the United States itself.
He mixed eulogy with warning, describing Kirk as a “giant of his generation” whose death he framed as part of a broader attack on the nation. His rhetoric, especially his promise that authorities would “find out who those people are,” signaled a shift from mourning to retribution, with critics warning it risks blurring the line between justice and punishment of political opponents.
Trump opened by calling Kirk “a devoted husband, father, son, Christian, and patriot” who was “heinously murdered by a radicalized, cold-blooded monster for speaking the truth that was in his heart.” He said Kirk “was assassinated because he lived bravely. He led boldly, and he argued brilliantly without apology.”
Over the course of 40 minutes, the address often took on the feel of a campaign rally. Between tributes and denunciations, Trump touted his administration’s accomplishments and teased policy initiatives. He told the crowd that “tariffs are making us rich again,” previewed a major autism announcement he said would be unveiled at the White House the following day, and repeatedly highlighted Republican gains among young voters in 2024, crediting Kirk’s organizing as a driving force.
“By his own determination and skill, Charlie Kirk built Turning Point from humble beginnings into a juggernaut of American politics,” Trump said, before pivoting back to policy boasts.
He also blamed “paid agitators,” “antifa terrorists,” and the “fake news media” for creating a hostile climate toward Kirk, promising that his administration and the Justice Department would “find out who those people are.”
“Many of these people, by the way, are paid a lot of money to do this,” Trump told the crowd. “They’re agitators. They’re paid agitators. Remember that when you see they all have the same beautifully printed sign.”
The audience, which he likened to an “old-time revival” spilling into an overflow arena across the street, roared in response. Turning to Kirk’s widow, Erika, Trump promised: “We vow that we will do everything we can to ensure that your children grow up in a land where their father is honored and revered as a great American hero.”
One of the most revealing moments came when he contrasted himself with Kirk’s more conciliatory approach to adversaries. Recalling how Kirk invited dissenting students to the microphone at campus events, Trump admitted, “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry. I can’t stand my opponent.”
ERIKA KIRK FORGIVES HUSBAND’S KILLER, PLEDGES TO GROW TURNING POINT USA IN HIS MEMORY
The speech ended on a note of tribute. Trump said Kirk “started with only an idea to change minds on college campuses, and instead, he ended up with a far greater achievement, changing history.” He told mourners the activist now “rests in glory in heaven for all eternity,” and urged them to carry forward Kirk’s mission “for the freedoms he died for, and the values in which he so deeply believed.”
“Charlie created something very special. It’s called Turning Point USA, and under the leadership and love of Erika, it will become bigger and better and stronger than ever before,” Trump said.