In a moment that left a stadium full of mourners stunned, the President delivered a eulogy unlike any he’s given before, publicly grappling with hate, mercy, and forgiveness in the wake of a murder that has shaken the conservative movement to its core.
Before a sea of grieving supporters at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, Donald Trump stepped up to honor Charlie Kirk, the firebrand founder of Turning Point USA, just 11 days after his shocking assassination.
Donald Trump takes the stage during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona | Source: Getty Images
During one moment of the speech marked by emotion and political conviction, the President admitted his own failings, voicing a stunning contrast to Kirk’s legacy, and offering a startling apology to the woman left behind.
Trump Turns to Widow During Searing Speech
Opening his tribute addressing Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, Donald acknowledged her unimaginable pain, declaring that the entire country was mourning the conservative leader.
Erika Kirk takes the stage during the memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona | Source: Getty Images
He went on to speak for around 40 minutes, calling Charlie a “giant of his generation” and a “model now for American freedom.” But what came next stood out.
“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. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie,” the President confessed in front of the nation. “I hate my opponent. And I don’t want the best for them.”
Donald Trump speaks at the public memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona | Source: Getty Images
Then, turning to Erika, the President issued a surprising apology.
“I’m sorry. I am sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that that’s not right,” he continued. “But I can’t stand my opponent. Charlie’s angry, looking down. He’s angry at me now.”
The President continued, emphasizing Charlie’s fierce yet respectful approach to debate, noting that the late activist only wanted to change minds, not demonize anyone. He spoke warmly of Charlie’s faith, athleticism, and vision, recalling how the young firebrand had founded Turning Point USA at 18.
And in a powerful gesture, Donald declared that he would posthumously award Charlie the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He ended his tribute with a promise that his message would only get bigger.
From Anger to Absolution: Forgiveness
Once he was done speaking, Donald asked Erika to join him on stage, where they hugged in front of the cheering crowd. Charlie’s widow had given her own eulogy before the President, where she expressed that God had called her late husband.
Quoting Charlie’s journal, Erika said, “Every time you make a decision, it puts a mark on your soul.”
Erika Kirk speaks during a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona | Source: Getty Images
Then, with staggering grace, she delivered a message of unthinkable forgiveness to the very man who tore her life apart. She began by sharing that her husband had a deep desire to help young men, like the one who fired the weapon that day.
Erika explained through her tears that she forgave the young man because it was what Christ did, and what her husband, Charlie, would have done. She referenced the Biblical teaching of forgiveness, which says, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” and then echoed the same sentiment herself.
She vowed to continue her husband’s mission, announcing that she would take over as CEO of Turning Point USA. She promised to make the organization even better in Charlie’s honor.
The Young Man She Forgave
The individual Erika mentioned, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was identified as the alleged shooter just one day after the tragic killing, on September 11.
That evening, around 8 p.m., a retired detective with information on the individual’s identity reached out to Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
