On September 21, 2025, the world of American conservative politics gathered under the roof of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The occasion was the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, whose assassination on September 10 sent shockwaves through the nation. The event drew tens of thousands of mourners and featured a roster of speakers that read like a who’s who of the current political landscape, all united to pay tribute to the activist’s life and legacy.
The atmosphere was a unique blend of solemn remembrance, political rally, and spiritual revival. For nearly five hours, the massive crowd was led in worship by prominent Christian music artists before hearing from a long list of friends, colleagues, and the most powerful figures in the country. The service culminated in a powerful display of emotion, blending personal grief with a resolute pledge to continue Kirk’s work.
The Full List of Speakers at Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service
A total of twelve individuals delivered formal remarks during the memorial service, a figure that encompasses the high-profile politicians, administration officials, and Charlie Kirk’s closest family members who shared their memories. The speakers appeared in a specific order, creating a narrative that moved from political impact to profound personal loss.
The lineup of speakers was headlined by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were both in attendance alongside nearly the entire Cabinet. They were joined by a formidable list of current administration officials, including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller also addressed the crowd.
Trump: He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry pic.twitter.com/GUiW7NBb0y
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2025
Beyond the official Washington circle, the service included voices from Kirk’s media and political activism circles. Donald Trump Jr., commentator Tucker Carlson, and Ambassador to India nominee Sergio Gor shared their perspectives. The most anticipated personal tribute came from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who spoke movingly about her husband just days after being named the new CEO of Turning Point USA.
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Voices of Legacy and Forgiveness
The speeches wove together themes of political determination and deep Christian faith, creating a complex fabric of how Charlie Kirk’s allies are processing his death. Vice President JD Vance, who had escorted Kirk’s body back from Utah, set a tone of defiant legacy, stating, “We’ve got it from here,” while acknowledging that the administration wouldn’t be in power without Kirk’s mobilization of the youth vote. This sentiment was echoed by White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, who credited Kirk with making the “winning difference” in the 2024 election.
However, the most poignant moment of the day belonged to Erika Kirk. In an emotional eulogy, she described the unimaginable heartache of seeing her husband’s body and the fatal wound. Then, in a moment that drew a standing ovation, she publicly forgave the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do,” she told the silent stadium. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love.” She shared that her husband’s mission was to save the “lost boys” of America, adding that he would have wanted to help “young men, just like the one who took his life.”
If you watch one thing today, let it be this — the truly remarkable display of grace and compassion from Mrs. Erika Kirk as she forgives her husband’s assassin because that’s what Christ would do.
We love you, Erika. pic.twitter.com/EsSUgeJx1F
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
President Trump’s closing speech presented a stark contrast in tone. While he hailed Charlie Kirk as a “martyr for American freedom” and a “great American hero,” he openly diverged from the message of forgiveness. “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said of Kirk. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.” His remarks often veered into political territory, discussing crime in Chicago and other policy goals, promising to act with Kirk in mind.
The service concluded with Trump inviting Erika Kirk back to the stage. As they embraced and held hands, a rendition of “America the Beautiful” played for the thousands in attendance, marking the end of a memorial that was as much about the future of a political movement as it was about saying goodbye to one of its key architects.
