U.S. President Donald Trump gave a moving eulogy for Charlie Kirk on Sunday, a far-right activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. Trump called the 31-year-old a “martyr,” a “giant of his generation,” and a “great American hero” who was “killed for speaking for freedom and justice for God.”
Trump spoke to a huge crowd at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, that was bigger than the stadium could hold. He stated, “He will live forever in the eternal chronicle of America’s greatest patriots.”
The president also spoke to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and told her that her bravery and faith were comforting “millions and millions of people.” He promised that Kirk’s kids will grow up in a society where their father is “honored and revered as a great American hero.” Trump also said that Kirk has done more good in his 31 years than many wealthy people do in their whole lives.
A Life of Service and a “Surreal Experience”
Trump talked on Kirk’s lifelong dedication to his cause, including the hardships he had early on, like when he was at the University of Wisconsin and traveled all across the country to spread his message. Trump remembered talking to Kirk and being told to “Save Chicago” as one of the final things he said.
The President said that hearing about Kirk’s death was “surreal,” and he told “very powerful people” who were in a meeting with him to leave so he could think about it. Trump also said that before Kirk’s speech at Utah Valley University, where he was shot and killed, a staff member told him that there would be opposition. Trump said that Kirk’s answer was, “I’m not here to fight them.” I want to get to know them and love them. The president said that Kirk didn’t hate his opponents, but that his “quest for open dialogue was met with menacing hate.” He said that “very bad people” paid the troublemakers.
DOJ Investigation and the Highest Civilian Honor
Trump made a big announcement: Charlie Kirk would get the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death. This is the highest civilian honor in the country. The White House will host the celebration.
Additionally, Trump said that the Department of Justice is looking into groups of “radical left maniacs who fund, organize, and carry out political violence.” He said that the attack on Kirk was a “attack on our whole country” and that “the gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us.”
Trump ended by complimenting Kirk’s dedication to open debate, saying it was “not a pillar of our democracy but the basis of our whole society.” He promised that the country will continue on the “torch of liberty” that Charlie Kirk cherished.