President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a "great American hero" and "martyr" for freedom as he and other prominent conservatives gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.
Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.
ABC News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
At the end of his remarks, President Trump called on Erika Kirk to return to the stage. The two hugged, then stood together as the crowd cheered and the program came to an end.
President Trump, in his remarks, said he differs with Charlie Kirk on one point.
"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 disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them," Trump said.
"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, but I can't stand my opponent," the president continued.
"On that terrible day, September 10, 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal," Trump said in his remarks. He's a martyr now for America, freedom."
"I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history," Trump said.
President Donald Trump takes the stage as he begins addressing thousands of people at Charlie Kirk's memorial service.
"Today, America is a nation in grief, a nation in shock and a nation in mourning," Trump said as he began his remarks at the memorial service.
