A memorial display with a portrait of Charlie Kirk and flowers

A memorial display with a portrait of Charlie Kirk, flowers, and American flags at the Turning Point USA Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. By melissamn / Shutterstock.com.

Politics

Trump to Speak at Funeral for Charlie Kirk: How His Death Will Reshape the Conservative Movement

Trump to speak at Charlie Kirk’s funeral. Kirk’s death galvanizes conservatives; wife takes over Turning Point USA.

byEditorial Staff

September 21, 2025, 8:14 AM

Executive Summary

The funeral for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, attended by thousands and featuring President Donald Trump as the final speaker, is considered a watershed moment for his grassroots conservative movement, Turning Point USA.

Kirk’s death has galvanized his followers and led to his wife, Erika Kirk, taking over as CEO of Turning Point USA with a vow to significantly expand the organization, which has already seen a surge in student interest.

The event has been designated a DHS Level 1 Special Event, mobilizing extensive federal security resources, and the White House is actively involved, deploying staff and pledging federal resources to investigate groups accused of promoting violence against conservatives.

The Story So Far

Charlie Kirk was a pivotal conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA, whose recent death is viewed by his followers as a watershed moment for the conservative cause, attributed to a perceived atmosphere of political violence. This tragedy has profoundly galvanized his movement, leading President Donald Trump, a close friend and political ally, to take a central role in the funeral, leveraging the event to criticize “radicals on the left” and pledge federal resources to investigate groups accused of fomenting violence against conservatives.

Why This Matters

The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is significantly galvanizing the grassroots conservative movement, particularly Turning Point USA under its new CEO, Erika Kirk, potentially leading to its expansion and increased influence. This event is also being heavily politicized by President Trump and other conservative leaders, who are using it to condemn “radicals on the left” and accuse opponents of inciting violence, which could further exacerbate political polarization and trigger federal investigations into liberal groups. The high-level government involvement and extensive security measures underscore the national significance and heightened tensions surrounding this politically charged moment.

Who Thinks What?

Charlie Kirk’s supporters and the broader conservative movement view his death as a watershed moment, attribute his killing to an atmosphere of political violence, and are galvanized to strengthen Turning Point USA, with Erika Kirk vowing to expand the organization significantly.

President Donald Trump and his administration mourn Kirk as a close friend and crucial figure, blame “radicals on the left” for fostering an environment of violence, and have pledged federal resources to investigate liberal groups they believe promote violence against conservatives.

While many prominent Democrats condemn political violence and express sympathy for Kirk’s death, some have referenced his past controversial viewpoints, and Black Lives Matter has condemned political violence, stating “Vigilante justice has no place in a just society.”

The funeral for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona, is set to be a significant event for the grassroots conservative movement he founded. Kirk, who was shot and killed earlier this month at age 31, will be memorialized by thousands of mourners, including President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver the final remarks. The gathering is expected to underscore a period of intense grief and anger among his supporters, who view his death as a watershed moment for the conservative cause.

A Movement Galvanized

Kirk’s death has galvanized his followers, who are resolved to strengthen the movement he founded, Turning Point USA. Many supporters attribute his killing to forces they believe contributed to an atmosphere of political violence. Political leaders and Kirk’s allies have channeled their anger into a broader condemnation of opponents, whom they accuse of inciting violence or disparaging Kirk.

This response has sparked concerns among some about a potential government crackdown on dissent. The event itself, held at State Farm Stadium, is anticipated to draw a large crowd, with arrangements made for overflow viewing areas to accommodate attendees.

President Trump’s Central Role

President Trump has been prominently involved since the initial reports of Kirk’s shooting. He announced Kirk’s death and later confirmed that a suspect was in custody. Trump’s speech at the funeral is expected to include personal reflections on his friendship with Kirk and the activist’s impact on his political movement. While aides suggest his remarks will be more personal, Trump is known for deviating from prepared scripts.

Trump has consistently praised Kirk as a close friend and a crucial figure in his electoral victories and administration. He has also used the opportunity to criticize “radicals on the left,” whom he blames for fostering an environment of violence that he believes led to Kirk’s death. Sources close to Kirk expressed gratitude for Trump’s decisive actions in communicating the news during a chaotic time.

High-Profile Speakers and White House Support

The funeral will feature a roster of prominent conservative figures, including Vice President JD Vance, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, will also deliver her first remarks as the new CEO of Turning Point USA.

Underscoring the close ties between Kirk and the Trump administration, the White House is deploying two planes full of staff from Joint Base Andrews to Arizona for the event. Speeches delivered at the funeral will not be subject to prior review.

Erika Kirk’s New Role and Organizational Growth

In her first public statements following Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk issued a powerful call to action, vowing to expand and strengthen Turning Point USA. She declared her intention to make the organization “the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.” Her elevation to CEO is seen by some conservatives as an opportunity to attract young women to the movement, mirroring her late husband’s success in engaging young men.

Turning Point USA has reported a significant surge in interest since Charlie Kirk’s passing, with over 62,000 requests from students to establish new chapters or join existing groups.

Heightened Security and Federal Resources

The event has been designated a Special Event Assessment Rating Level 1 by the Department of Homeland Security, a classification reserved for events of national significance. This designation mobilizes extensive federal resources for security purposes, similar to those deployed for events like the Super Bowl. Concerns about potential security threats have led to some senior White House officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, receiving Secret Service protection.

Amid renewed interest in the movement, conservative leaders have initiated efforts against those they accuse of celebrating Kirk’s death, publicizing social media posts and contacting employers. While many prominent Democrats have condemned political violence and expressed sympathy for Kirk’s death, some have also referenced his past controversial viewpoints.

The White House has pledged to use federal resources to investigate liberal groups, suggesting Kirk’s killer was part of a larger movement promoting violence against conservatives. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a close friend of Kirk’s, is reportedly leading this effort, citing Kirk’s final text messages about investigating groups “fomenting” violence. Black Lives Matter, which Miller has named, has condemned political violence, stating that “Vigilante justice has no place in a just society.”