On a somber Sunday, September 21, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a powerful eulogy for the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, labeling him a ‘giant of his generation.’ The immense memorial service was steeped in Christian themes, with numerous speakers referring to Kirk as a ‘martyr.’
The 79-year-old Republican leader praised Kirk as ‘above all a devoted husband, father, son, Christian, and patriot.’ Trump asserted that Kirk was ‘violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice, for God and country, for reason and for common sense.’
The event garnered exceptional attention and tight security, as high-ranking officials from Mr. Trump’s administration joined tens of thousands of mourners. Several U.S. media outlets drew comparisons to a state funeral, highlighting its profound significance.
Before Trump took the podium, the attendees heard stirring addresses from notable cabinet members, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Stephen Miller, a top advisor to Trump, declared, ‘You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal,’ before pledging ‘to save this civilization, to save the West.’
Additional speakers included conservative media personality Tucker Carlson, Mr. Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Turning Point USA, the highly influential youth political organization founded by Kirk and now led by his widow, Erika Kirk, organized the memorial. Erika Kirk also delivered a moving speech during the service.
In a moment that elicited thunderous applause, Ms. Kirk publicly stated, ‘That young man, I forgive him,’ referring to her husband’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Authorities in the state have charged Robinson with murder and are seeking the death penalty in his trial.
Notably, Mr. Trump was observed sitting and conversing with his billionaire supporter, Elon Musk. The previous contentious nature of Musk’s departure from the White House, following his short stint overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), seemed absent during their interaction.
Hours before the gates opened, thousands had queued to enter the 63,000-seat American football stadium. They came to honor the young Republican icon, a steadfast ally of the president, widely credited for his effective voter outreach that contributed to Mr. Trump’s re-election last year.
Monica Mirelez, a 44-year-old Texan who journeyed 12 hours to attend, unequivocally described Kirk as a ‘Christ martyr.’
Jeremy Schlotman, a 21-year-old biology student, shared that Kirk inspired him to voice his convictions on campus. ‘For example, I think that biological men shouldn’t be in women’s sports. But I was too afraid to talk about stuff like that out loud,’ Schlotman remarked, amidst the sounds of Christian bands playing as the stadium gradually filled.
A Culture of ‘Hatred’
Kirk, at 31 years old, was tragically shot in the neck on September 10 while participating in his acclaimed public debate series at a Utah university. Following a 33-hour manhunt, authorities successfully apprehended a suspect.
Investigators reported that the suspected gunman claimed Kirk’s rhetoric, known for its vitriolic criticism of transgender individuals, Muslims, and other groups, incited ‘hatred.’
Leveraging his vast social media following, popular podcast, and frequent university appearances, Kirk consistently rallied young voters behind Mr. Trump and championed a nationalist, Christian-centric political ideology.
Even before the alleged perpetrator was identified or captured, Mr. Trump swiftly labeled Kirk a ‘martyr for truth and freedom,’ attributing blame to the ‘radical left’s’ rhetoric.
Crackdown on Perceived ‘Liberal Terrorism’
In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, the White House last week announced a severe crackdown on what it has termed ‘domestic terrorism’ perpetrated by the political left.
Mr. Trump stated his intention to officially designate ‘Antifa’ – a broad term encompassing diffuse far-left groups – as ‘a major terrorist organization,’ a threat he had previously made during his first term in office.
That Sunday, Mr. Trump reaffirmed his government’s commitment to dismantle alleged ‘networks’ believed to be responsible for left-wing violence.
Adding to the controversy, popular late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was abruptly removed from the airwaves on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. This move came just hours after the government issued threats to revoke broadcasting licenses due to remarks Kimmel made concerning Kirk’s death.
These actions have ignited serious concerns among Mr. Trump’s critics, who fear potential efforts to suppress dissent against his polarizing right-wing administration. His tenure has been characterized by a rollback of social justice initiatives and a stringent immigration crackdown, both of which have drawn extensive accusations of human rights violations.