JD Vance says he misses Charlie Kirk’s 'wisdom,' recalls politics is not 'a dress rehearsal'
🚨 BREAKING: Crowd gets ELECTRIC as JD Vance closes his speech by saying to fight for what Charlie Kirk fought for 🇺🇸
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 21, 2025
"I miss his optimism. I miss his energy. I miss the phone calls where we'd strategize about how to get this or that GOP congressman to get off their ass and do… pic.twitter.com/MBbVAGHwxm
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Vice President JD Vance attended AmericaFest 2025, where he spoke about how much he missed his TPUSA founder Charles Kirk. At the event, the crowd became energized as Vance closed his speech with a strong message. He said he would continue to fight for what Kirk fought for.
Vance spoke openly about missing Kirk’s 'optimism and energy.' He also said he missed the phone calls they shared while they were busy strategizing. Most of all, he said he missed 'Charlie's wisdom.'
He then asked the audience if they missed Kirk and whether they promised to fight for what he died for. The crowd responded with a loud cheer and answered unanimously, 'Yes.'
JD Vance remembers Charlie Kirk during convention speech
The annual convention opened on Thursday, December 18. This year’s gathering was especially meaningful, as it was the first held without the group’s founder, Charles Kirk, who was murdered in September.
Vance attended the event on Sunday, December 21. While addressing attendees, he spoke about Kirk’s influence and the responsibility left behind after his passing. “Let me just say the best way to honor Charlie is that none of us here should be doing something after Charlie's death that he himself refused to do in life. He invited all of us here," Vance said.
He then shared personal memories, describing what he missed most about his friend. "I miss his optimism. I miss his energy. I miss the phone calls where we'd strategize about how to get this or that GOP congressman to get off their ass and do something."
He emphasized that Kirk’s guidance went beyond politics. "But most of all, I miss Charlie's wisdom. I miss his reminder that politics is not a dress rehearsal or a game." Vance stressed that the choices being made now have real consequences for the country’s future. "We are making decisions that will save our country and give the American people a shot at their dreams again."
Turning directly to the crowd, he asked them to recommit to the principles Kirk stood for. "If you miss Charlie Kirk, do you promise to fight what he died for? Do you promise to take the country back from the people who took his life? Do you promise to help defeat the radicals who cheered his death? Do you promise to honor his memory by having faith in the God he loved?"
He concluded with a pledge of unity and determination. "My friends, commit to these things, and I promise you victory. I promise you closed borders and safe communities."
"I promise you good jobs and a dignified life. Only God can promise you salvation in Heaven, but together, we can fulfil the promise of the greatest nation in the history of the earth."
Other speakers honor Charlie Kirk and rally conservative supporters
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, Donald Trump Jr and current CEO of TPUSA Erika Kirk (widow of Charlie Kirk) were among the prominent speakers on Sunday, December 21. They honored the late Charles and urged the crowd to stand together.
President Donald Trump also delivered brief remarks by phone during Trump Jr’s speech. Later, singer-songwriter and rapper Nicki Minaj appeared on stage alongside Erika Kirk.
