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.
Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
In the wake of his death, many Americans are learning for the first time of the unlikely rise of the young activist who vaulted from obscurity in suburban Illinois to become a defining voice for a generation of conservatives and one of the movement’s most formidable power brokers.
'THIS IS THE TURNING POINT:' TPUSA SAYS CAMPUS CHAPTER REQUESTS SURGE AFTER KIRK'S ASSASSINATION
At 18, Kirk dropped out of community college to co-found TPUSA. By his mid-20s, he became the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and a household name in conservative circles. By 31, he commanded a $95 million political empire, galvanized millions of followers online and established a direct line to Trump.
His widow, Erika, has vowed to carry on the energetic movement that indisputably reshaped conservative youth politics. TPUSA recently announced she would assume the roles of CEO and chair of the board.
Charlie Kirk and his wife, Erika Lane Frantzve and their two children at Christmas in December 2024. (Charlie Kirk via Facebook)
Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of "The Charlie Kirk Show," said TPUSA has received more than 62,000 requests to establish new campus chapters in the two weeks since Kirk's assassination — a surge that would add to its existing network of 900 nationwide.
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"For all the fans of ‘The Charlie Kirk Show,’ we will see you Monday," Kolvet said during his remarks at the memorial service. "Until then, buckle up — here we go," he added, vowing to continue Kirk’s mission.
Last week, Kolvet told Fox News Digital that he has "personally received hundreds of offers to work" for TPUSA.
Amanda covers the intersection of business and geopolitics for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-honors-charlie-kirks-legacy-describes-him-martyr-american-freedom