'Great man': Trump honors Charlie Kirk in State of the Union as Erika appears emotional
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just gave a huge shoutout to CHARLIE KIRK and Erika Kirk can be seen getting emotional
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 25, 2026
"CHARLIE, CHARLIE, CHARLIE!" 🇺🇸
"Erika, please stand. You've been through a lot." ❤️
Evil will lose. pic.twitter.com/aPK69ugAfC
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump honored Charlie Kirk during his State of the Union address and recognized his widow, Erika Kirk, after the conservative activist was killed last year.
Trump also called for an end to all political violence. Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
Trump honors Charlie Kirk during State of the Union
Donald Trump called Charlie Kirk a “great man” and credited him with sparking a “tremendous renewal” of faith in America.
Trump hailed, “I'm very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years and in particular this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God. Tremendous renewal."
“This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend Charlie Kirk, who was a great man,” Trump said. The president also mourned Kirk’s death, saying, “Last year Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred, really martyred for his beliefs.”
Erika Kirk receives standing ovation
Upon honoring Charlie Kirk during the State of the Union, Trump also recognized his widow, Erika, who received a standing ovation.
After the ovation, Trump said, “We must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind.”
He added, “We love religion, and and we love bringing it back, and it's coming back at levels that nobody actually thought possible; it's really a beautiful thing to see."
Trump also praised Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell for living the “American dream.” He highlighted that private individuals like Michael and Susan Dell donated millions to his Trump Savings Account for American children.
He further praised Dell’s business achievements, noting that he founded the world’s largest technology infrastructure company and ranks as the 10th-richest person in the world.
