President Trump called Charlie Kirk one of “America’s greatest patriots” during an impassioned address at the conservative activist’s funeral in Arizona on Sunday.
“Today, America is a nation in grief and a nation in shock, and a nation in mourning,” Trump told thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
“He died doing what was right for our nation,” the president said of Kirk, who was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. “Our greatest evangelist for liberty became immortal.”
Trump was the final speaker among more than two dozen who paid tribute to the Turning Point USA founder. Officials estimated about 200,000 mourners attended, filling the NFL stadium, the NHL arena next door, and nearby restaurants and bars.
“He could always draw a big crowd – look at this today, look what’s gone on. This is a big crowd,” Trump said, noting the presence of Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other conservative leaders.
Trump recalled being in a meeting with “the biggest people” when he learned of Kirk’s death. “It was like a surreal experience. Terrible, terrible,” he said, adding that he immediately left to focus on the tragedy.
Like many speakers before him, Trump described Kirk as a martyr. “He’s a martyr now. None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk. And neither now will history.”
The president praised Kirk’s work ethic and humility, recalling how he once invited a fourth grader onto his radio show despite knowing only the child’s parents were likely to listen.
“He was a giver much more than a taker,” Trump said. “No matter how big Charlie became, no one was too small for him to notice. As he liked to say, ‘We have a country to save.’”
“A great American hero, that’s what he is,” Trump said.
Watch the clip below:
President Trump gives an incredibly powerful tribute to Charlie Kirk, “He will live forever.” 🇺🇸
“On that terrible day, September 10th, 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal.”
“He's a martyr now for American freedom. I know I speak for everyone here… pic.twitter.com/klQ5C5K9We
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 21, 2025
Watch Trump’s full remarks below:
President Trump Participates in the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk https://t.co/s2xM35vP3u
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 21, 2025
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