Activist Charlie Kirk holds major influence in America’s conservative community, not only on the Republican Party’s agenda but also on President Donald Trump’s political career, according to ABC News.
On September 10, upon hearing that Kirk had been assassinated during an event in Utah, Mr. Trump took to social media to call on Americans to pray for the 31-year-old activist with whom he and his family shared both personal and political ties.
Later, he announced Kirk’s death:
“No one understood and captured the heart of America’s youth better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by everyone, especially by me — and now, he is gone. Melania and I send our condolences to his beautiful wife Erika and the entire family. Charlie, we love you.”
President Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., also wrote: “Love you, brother. You gave so many people the courage to speak out.”
The President ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House, federal buildings, military installations, naval bases, and U.S. embassies abroad following the incident.
According to ABC News, Kirk’s assassination shocked the White House, with many senior officials describing it as “stunning, infuriating, heartbreaking, and unbelievable.”
Though not a White House staffer, Kirk was a frequent presence there. He was considered influential in advising the administration on top personnel appointments. He also maintained regular contact with senior advisers and directly with the President.
Mr. Trump had attended many events organized by Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by Kirk. These events particularly attracted high school and college voters with agendas promoting conservative policies.
At the 2016 Republican National Convention, Kirk delivered a fiery speech despite being one of the youngest speakers. During the campaign, Kirk collaborated with Trump’s children — Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump — supporting them with social media outreach. Some even considered Kirk almost an extended member of the Trump family, according to ABC News.
Kirk began his political career while in college, writing for right-wing outlets such as Breitbart News and The Daily Caller.
In 2012, at age 18, he co-founded Turning Point USA, which grew into one of the largest conservative youth movements, now present at more than 3,500 high schools and universities across the United States.
Mr. Trump once praised Kirk as the conservative “prodigy.” In 2019, he said:
“He has done something extraordinary at such a young age. It takes tremendous talent to build one of the most powerful youth organizations like Turning Point USA. I want to thank Charlie — what a great job.”
After Trump won his first term, Kirk leveraged his influence to express strong support for the President’s policies.
During the 2024 election, Turning Point USA backed Mr. Trump’s campaigns in battleground states while also pushing Nebraska to adopt a “winner-take-all” Electoral College system.
At a Turning Point event in Arizona, Mr. Trump acknowledged this effort:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Charlie Kirk. Not only did I win, but this is your victory too. What a tremendous honor.”
Kirk was frequently present at the White House during Trump’s second term. Vice President JD Vance also maintained good relations with him.
On September 10, Mr. Vance said that he and Kirk were close friends, adding that Kirk had lobbied “both publicly and privately” for Trump to choose him as vice-presidential candidate last year.
Vance praised Turning Point USA’s role in organizing pro-Trump events in 2024.
“Much of this administration’s success stems directly from Charlie’s organizing and networking abilities. He didn’t just help us win in 2024 — he helped us build the government itself,” Vance stated.
On September 11, Charlie Kirk’s casket was flown from Utah to Arizona — where he lived with his family — aboard Air Force Two, the Vice President’s official aircraft.
Vice President JD Vance was seen walking alongside Kirk’s casket on the tarmac in Salt Lake City, Utah, in a video posted on social media by Tyler Bower, a former Turning Point USA colleague.
Kirk’s family and some of his friends accompanied Vice President Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance back to Arizona, officials confirmed on September 11.
Meanwhile, on September 11, President Trump urged his supporters to respond peacefully to Kirk’s assassination.
Mr. Trump told reporters that Kirk was “a nonviolent supporter. That’s also how I want people to respond to this incident.”