Glendale, Arizona – September 22, 2025 – In a poignant yet polarizing memorial service for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump delivered a eulogy that blended heartfelt remembrance with fiery political rhetoric, drawing both applause and criticism from attendees and observers alike.
The service, held on Sunday at Dream City Church in Glendale, Arizona, drew thousands of mourners, including high-profile figures from the Republican Party and the conservative movement. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 18 while speaking at a university event in Utah. Authorities have charged a suspect, but details of the motive remain under investigation. The memorial capped off a weekend of tributes centered on themes of faith, forgiveness, and patriotism, but Trump’s closing remarks shifted the tone toward confrontation.
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and now the leader of Turning Point USA, set an emotional and reconciliatory tone early in the event. In a tearful address, she spoke of her husband’s unwavering faith and publicly forgave the accused assassin, emphasizing forgiveness as a core Christian value. “Charlie would want us to move forward with love, not hate,” she said, urging the crowd to honor his legacy through continued activism rather than vengeance. Her words resonated deeply, eliciting standing ovations and visible emotion from the audience.
However, when President Trump took the stage as the final speaker, the atmosphere evolved into something resembling a campaign rally. Trump praised Kirk as a “great American hero” and “martyr for American freedom,” highlighting his role in mobilizing young conservatives and his “brave, bold arguments without apology.” He recounted personal anecdotes about Kirk’s dedication to the MAGA movement and his impact on the 2024 election that returned Trump to the White House.
Yet, Trump veered into familiar political territory, railing against his opponents and the “radical left.” He explicitly stated, “I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them,” a stark contrast to Erika Kirk’s message of forgiveness. The president targeted late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, calling him part of the “fake news” machine, and accused Democrats of fostering division that led to Kirk’s death. He also referenced ongoing political battles, including calls for investigations into his rivals, framing Kirk’s assassination as a symptom of broader leftist extremism.
Other speakers, including Vice President JD Vance, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and Fox News host Pete Hegseth, echoed themes of Kirk’s legacy in faith and conservatism. Vance described Kirk as an “evangelist for American liberty,” while Gabbard highlighted his work in bridging divides through dialogue.
The event, attended by figures like Elon Musk and other Trump administration officials, underscored Kirk’s outsized influence in right-wing circles. Critics, including some media outlets, described Trump’s speech as turning the memorial into a “rally in disguise,” potentially overshadowing the personal tributes. Supporters, however, viewed it as a fitting homage to Kirk’s unapologetic political style.
As the service concluded, the crowd chanted “USA” and “Fight,” reflecting the blend of mourning and mobilization. Erika Kirk announced plans to expand Turning Point USA in her husband’s honor, focusing on youth engagement and voter turnout ahead of future elections.
This memorial not only commemorated Kirk’s life but also highlighted the deep political divides in America, with Trump’s remarks likely to fuel ongoing debates about rhetoric and unity in the wake of tragedy.