​'Charlie’s voice is not silenced': Trump pays emotional tribute to late TPUSA founder

Donald Trump said Charlie Kirk's voice is 'roaring and roaring back louder, frankly, than ever before'
Donald Trump reflected on the legacy of Charlie Kirk while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona (Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images, AP Photo/Ross D Franklin)
Donald Trump reflected on the legacy of Charlie Kirk while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona (Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images, AP Photo/Ross D Franklin)


PHOENIX, ARIZONA: President Donald Trump returned to Phoenix on Friday, April 17, to honor the memory of Charlie Kirk, the "fearless warrior" and friend whose political legacy continues to grow.

Speaking at TPUSA's 'Build the Red Wall' event, Trump declared that while a "cruel and vicious" act took his friend's life, the movement he sparked is now more powerful and "roaring" than ever.

Trump honors Charlie Kirk at TPUSA Arizona event

Standing before a massive crowd at Dream City Church, Trump made a poignant return to the "great state of Arizona, with the hardworking, God-fearing patriots of Turning Point Action and Turning Point USA."

The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the president reflected on the seven months since the nation "lost a fearless warrior" and his close friend, Charlie.

Trump directly addressed the attempt to break the spirit of the conservative movement through violence, asserting that the effort had failed.

"Standing here today is clear to see that Charlie's voice is not silenced, it's roaring and roaring back louder, frankly, than ever before," Trump expressed.

President Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
President Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Trump remembers Charlie Kirk as 'a great friend'

The tribute was deeply personal, with Trump describing the late TPUSA founder as "just an amazing man" and a "special person" who served as a vital bridge to the nation’s youth.

He reminisced about their frequent, wide-ranging discussions that spanned the foundational pillars of their shared worldview.

"He was such a great friend of mine. We talked all the time, we speak all the time, talking about politics, we talked about God, we talked about everything you can talk about," Trump shared with the audience. 

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Trump says Charlie Kirk’s mission has become 'totally unstoppable'

Addressing the motive behind the tragedy, Trump was blunt about the failure of the "cruel and vicious assassin, who believed that by silencing his voice, he could kill an entire giant movement."

Instead of fading, the president insisted that the mission has become "totally unstoppable" and is "forgetting" any path other than total success.

He also took a moment to praise Charlie's widow, Erika Kirk, for her resilience in leading the organization through a "rough situation," noting that "she loved that man more than anything else, and she has done a really terrific job. I want to thank her." 

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Candice Jang said a book Jonathan McKinsey gave their children about a mother’s death frightened her because of his alleged threats
2 hours ago
Lawyer Kevin Reddington argued that prosecutors failed to prove Lindsay Clancy’s criminal responsibility, calling the case 'based on speculation'
4 hours ago
She stayed quiet as theories spread, while her daughter-in-law, Erika Kirk, faced criticism and questions about Charlie’s death continued to circulate online
9 hours ago
In July, Noem’s mother spoke publicly about the marriage and indicated that divorce proceedings were expected
10 hours ago
Reddington became visibly frustrated while responding to accusations that he had gone too far in challenging the holdout juror
12 hours ago
Pike said she was relieved that Clancy's case did not end with a conviction and believes changing scientific understanding could affect how a similar case is viewed today
13 hours ago
Barron Trump’s reported girlfriend remains unidentified, and their relationship status is unclear after his move to NYU’s DC campus
22 hours ago
'I would like to thank everyone, every individual, that has supported me throughout this difficult situation,' Michael Desronvil said
23 hours ago
Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen were arrested after witnesses helped police locate the couple near the scene of the fatal shooting
1 day ago
Karoline Leavitt claimed on Sean Hannity’s podcast that some reporters privately apologized for asking questions they considered unfair
1 day ago