Charlie Kirk deserves a statue in Trump’s 'National Garden of American Heroes,' says GOP senator

WASHINGTON, DC: Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is ready to carve conservative commentator Charlie Kirk into the marble of American history.

During an appearance on NewsNation's 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports' on Wednesday, October 29, Cassidy declared that the late Turning Point USA founder deserves his own statue in President Donald Trump’s planned “National Garden of American Heroes.”

“Ask why there are 9,500 students there, ask why there’s a motivation by young people to drive from neighboring states to be there,” Cassidy said when asked why Kirk belongs in the garden.

“In that garden, Charlie represents for young people what other iconic people represent for others. Why should we not honor someone who’s engaged in a way which was so positive, reaching out to those who disagreed, and in turn brought people into the political process in a constructive, civil way, as opposed to a violent, angry way?” he asked.

Cassidy made the comments as Kirk’s widow, Erika, and Vice President JD Vance spoke at the “This Is the Turning Point Tour” event at the University of Mississippi.

Trump renews ‘American Heroes’ garden ahead of 2026 milestone

Cassidy’s suggestion comes as Trump revives his long-dormant plan for a “National Garden of American Heroes,” a pet project he first announced during his presidency.

Earlier this year, Trump signed a new executive order reviving the original 2020 version, which called for the statue-filled garden to open by America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

Back in July 2020, Trump introduced the idea during a speech at Mount Rushmore, railing against “cancel culture” and “angry mobs” trying to “wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children.”

If Cassidy gets his way, the late right-wing firebrand may soon join the ranks of American icons like George Washington and Harriet Tubman in Trump’s proposed pantheon.

Erika Kirk leads new tour honoring Charlie Kirk’s legacy

Turning Point USA’s “This Is the Turning Point” tour has become both a tribute to and a continuation of Charlie Kirk’s legacy.

The new tour, led by his wife, Erika, replaces the “American Comeback Tour” after tragedy struck on September 10, when Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking to students at Utah Valley University during the tour’s first stop. Since then, the conservative movement has been grappling with his loss.

On October 29, Vance addressed a packed house at another Turning Point event, praising Kirk’s vision and commitment to America’s youth. “He wanted you more than anything to invest in the things that were worth having,” Vance said. 

JD Vance honors Charlie Kirk’s faith and influence

At the University of Mississippi event, Erika opened the evening with an emotional address about her husband’s legacy and faith. Wearing a white “Freedom” shirt, she urged students to “stand for freedom” as she described the ongoing campus tour as both a mission and a form of personal healing.

Since her husband’s death, Erika has vowed to carry on his message and continue leading his organization.

On September 12, just two days after the tragedy, the widow declared, “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s love. They should all know this. If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you have unleashed across this country and this world.”

Meanwhile, Vance reminded the audience what set his late friend apart. “He wasn't just a guy who went around campus and said very interesting things,” the vice president said. “He was a person who particularly to the young people of this country, he had the very best advice. Charlie wanted you...to build a life that was worth building.”

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