US President Donald Trump veered sharply off script during a memorial service for Charlie Kirk on Sunday, using his eulogy to attack opponents, defend tariffs and rail against left-wing critics.
Kirk, who was killed earlier this month while speaking at a Utah university, was hailed by Trump as “a giant of his generation” and “a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot.” The President told the tens of thousands gathered at the packed stadium that Kirk “was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”
But Trump quickly pivoted to his own political instincts, offering a striking admission that he had disagreed with Kirk’s approach to rivalries. “He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose. He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said, before pausing. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent. And I don’t want the best for them.”
The remark drew loud cheers from the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the address, which departed from its original purpose to cover topics ranging from tariffs to political violence. “Tariffs are making us rich again. Richer than anybody ever thought was possible,” Trump declared. “And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price.”
He also reprised his claims of a crackdown on crime, boasting of removals of offenders in Washington, DC. and promising to expand such efforts to cities including Memphis and Chicago. “We got rid of, you know, we took out 1500 career crimials. 1500. If you have three career criminals, that can make a big difference,” Trump said. “And Charlie loved what we were doing. He was so proud of what happened.”
Trump used the moment to attack his critics, accusing parts of the political left of celebrating Kirk’s death. “Over the last 11 days, we have heard stories of commentators, influencers and others in our society who greeted his assassination with sick approval, excuses, or even jubilation. You’ve heard that. So have I. Couldn’t believe it,” he said. “No side in American politics has a monopoly on disturbed or misguided people. But there is one part of our political community which believes they have a monopoly on truth, goodness and virtue, and concludes they have also a monopoly on power, thought and speech. Well, that’s not happening anymore.”
He further suggested that the Department of Justice was investigating “networks of radical left maniacs” funding political violence and, in another diversion, claimed his administration had “found an answer to autism,” promising to discuss solutions in the Oval Office.
The service, organised by Turning Point USA and led by Kirk’s widow Erika, featured tributes from Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Kirk, who was killed earlier this month while speaking at a Utah university, was hailed by Trump as “a giant of his generation” and “a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot.” The President told the tens of thousands gathered at the packed stadium that Kirk “was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”
But Trump quickly pivoted to his own political instincts, offering a striking admission that he had disagreed with Kirk’s approach to rivalries. “He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose. He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said, before pausing. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent. And I don’t want the best for them.”
The remark drew loud cheers from the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the address, which departed from its original purpose to cover topics ranging from tariffs to political violence. “Tariffs are making us rich again. Richer than anybody ever thought was possible,” Trump declared. “And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price.”
Trump: Tariffs are making us rich again. Richer than anybody ever thought was possible. And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price pic.twitter.com/HeKwFGKTXx
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
He also reprised his claims of a crackdown on crime, boasting of removals of offenders in Washington, DC. and promising to expand such efforts to cities including Memphis and Chicago. “We got rid of, you know, we took out 1500 career crimials. 1500. If you have three career criminals, that can make a big difference,” Trump said. “And Charlie loved what we were doing. He was so proud of what happened.”
Trump: The same commentators who this week are screaming fascism over a canceled late night TV show where the anchor had no talent and no ratings, last week were implying that he deserved what happened… pic.twitter.com/2gKJ7RNl1J
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
Trump used the moment to attack his critics, accusing parts of the political left of celebrating Kirk’s death. “Over the last 11 days, we have heard stories of commentators, influencers and others in our society who greeted his assassination with sick approval, excuses, or even jubilation. You’ve heard that. So have I. Couldn’t believe it,” he said. “No side in American politics has a monopoly on disturbed or misguided people. But there is one part of our political community which believes they have a monopoly on truth, goodness and virtue, and concludes they have also a monopoly on power, thought and speech. Well, that’s not happening anymore.”
He further suggested that the Department of Justice was investigating “networks of radical left maniacs” funding political violence and, in another diversion, claimed his administration had “found an answer to autism,” promising to discuss solutions in the Oval Office.
The service, organised by Turning Point USA and led by Kirk’s widow Erika, featured tributes from Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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