President Donald Trump made controversial remarks at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 21, 2025, telling tens of thousands of mourners at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, that he disagreed with Kirk’s approach toward political opponents. Speaking at the service for Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University, Trump acknowledged the slain activist’s charitable spirit.
The president described Kirk as someone who did not hate his opponents and wanted the best for them, but then added his own contrasting perspective. Trump stated, “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry.” The comment came during what was meant to be a eulogy for the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, drawing immediate criticism from political commentators and analysts.
The president’s remarks stood in stark contrast to the message delivered by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who spoke emotionally about forgiveness during the same service. She told the crowd that she had forgiven the man accused of killing her husband, emphasizing that this was what Christ would do and what Charlie would have wanted. Her words received a standing ovation from attendees and highlighted the faith-driven principles that Kirk was known to preach throughout his activism.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s comments during a Monday, September 22 news briefing, suggesting the president was being authentically himself. She indicated that millions of Americans across the country love and support Trump for this quality, including Erika Kirk, who was present during what Leavitt described as an unthinkable moment amid tragedy.
The memorial service featured speeches from numerous high-ranking officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Vance described Kirk as a martyr for the Christian faith and claimed he had changed the course of history, despite the lack of evidence that religion played a role in the killing.
Trump’s speech deviated from typical memorial service decorum, incorporating elements more commonly associated with political rallies. He mentioned his use of federal forces to police cities and promoted an upcoming White House announcement about autism. The president also claimed that Kirk had urged him to dispatch federal troops to Chicago, stating that one of Kirk’s last requests was to save the city from crime.
The president’s comments drew sharp criticism from various quarters. NFL analyst Lindsey Ok condemned the remarks on social media, calling them absolutely insane for a president to make. Political commentators noted that the speech represented a departure from the traditional role of consoler-in-chief that presidents typically assume during times of national tragedy and political violence.
Kirk was shot and killed while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, with Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah native, subsequently charged with aggravated murder and six other charges, including obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty in the case. Robinson’s family notified law enforcement after recognizing him from photos and video footage released during the investigation.
The memorial service attracted criticism not only for Trump’s divisive rhetoric but also for remarks made by other speakers. Presidential adviser Stephen Miller delivered what observers described as dark commentary against political enemies, using terms like wickedness and evil to describe opponents. The event mixed political rhetoric with Christian evangelism, drawing comparisons between Kirk and various historical figures, including Moses, George Washington, and Jesus Christ.
Media coverage of the event varied significantly across different outlets. Fox News praised Trump’s speech, with host Lawrence Jones describing it as the president playing the role of consoler-in-chief. However, CNN commentators characterized the event as a journey from the sacred to the profane, noting Trump’s inability to maintain the somber tone appropriate for a memorial service.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks has broader implications for his presidency and approach to political opposition. Critics argue that his admission of hatred toward opponents contradicts both his professed Christian faith and the traditional expectation that presidents serve all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened political tensions and ongoing debates about the role of divisive rhetoric in American politics.
The memorial service concluded with Trump calling Erika Kirk back to the stage, where he acted more like he was at a political rally than a memorial, mouthing the words to America the Beautiful and swaying from side to side. The event drew tens of thousands of attendees, with additional overflow venues accommodating those who could not fit into the main stadium.
