'Devastated' Trump believed Charlie Kirk could have been president someday: 'Such a talented guy'

WASHINGTON, DC: 'Squawk Box' host Joe Kernen revealed on Thursday, September 11, that President Donald Trump called him off the set and shared his sorrow over the conservative activist Charlie Kirk's shooting death. 

Kernen said Trump also used the opportunity to congratulate him on the 30th anniversary of 'Squawk Box' while reflecting on the events of the last 24 hours.

Trump congratulates Joe Kernen on 'Squawk Box' milestone

During his call, as per Joe Kernen, Donald Trump first focused on acknowledging the CNBC program’s long run.

Kernen said the president made a point of offering his congratulations to the team behind the morning show.

“When I left the set […] President Trump actually called in, and I figured I’d take that call. ‘Happy anniversary. Happy 30 years.’ He loves what we do. Yeah, loves what we do every morning. Said, make sure you tell Becky [Quick] and Andrew [Ross Sorkin] that he loves what you do,” Kernen said.

Trump praises Charlie Kirk

After congratulating Joe Kernen, Donald Trump shifted the conversation to Charlie Kirk’s death.

According to Kernen, the MAGA leader expressed deep sadness while also sharing how much Kirk had supported him politically.

“And he’s devastated about Charlie Kirk and said that what a guy, what a great individual and he said he helped him greatly in the last election and thinks that Charlie Kirk could have been president some day, he was such a talented guy,” Kernen said.

The CNBC host added, “Then he went on to say the country will heal, he’s focused on what he has been focused on and he says ‘I’m focused on winning, if the country wins and if I do everything I can to help the country win, that we’re all going to be able to come together again.’ So that was his message.”

Trump orders flags at half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk

Following the news of Charlie Kirk’s killing, Donald Trump made several public statements paying tribute. He also announced a national gesture of mourning.

“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," he wrote on Truth Social.

"He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” the commander-in-chief added.

In another post, he wrote, “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.”