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President Donald Trump praised Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s legacy Sunday, calling him a “martyr for American freedom.”
“I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither will history,” Trump said to the tens of thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK
Trump spoke of Kirk’s passion for mobilizing young conservatives, his unwavering devotion to the country, and the movement he leaves behind. The president described Kirk as a “missionary with a noble spirit,” saying the 31-year-old conservative activist played a decisive role in helping him win the 2024 election.
President Donald Trump speaks during a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Sept. 21, 2025. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)
“He didn’t deserve this and our country didn’t deserve this,” Trump said, adding that Kirk’s assassination was an attack on American democracy.
Trump has survived two assassination attempts.
The president also said he would honor Kirk at the White House by presenting his family with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
LIVE UPDATES: MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR CHARLIE KIRK
Trump’s speech, which also highlighted his administration’s core priorities, followed those of Kirk’s widow, Erika, and several high-ranking members of his administration.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were among some of Trump’s Cabinet that spoke at the memorial service.
A video clip shows right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at a speaking event in Utah the day he was killed, during the public memorial service for Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Sept….
