Trump blasts ‘radical left’ violence in Charlie Kirk tribute: ‘They have the devil’s ideology’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump tore into what he called a surge of “radical left violence” during a solemn honoring of the late conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, October 14.

The Republican leader used the White House event to deliver a rebuke of far-left extremism, saying the nation is under siege by radicals “resorting to desperate acts of violence and terror.”

“We've watched legions of far-left radicals resort to desperate acts of violence and terror because they know that their ideas and arguments are persuading no one,” Trump said. “They know that they're failing. They have the devil's ideology.”

The remarks came just over a month after the shocking killing of 31-year-old Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. It was supposed to be the first stop on his American Comeback Tour.

Trump weighs in on Jay Jones scandal

Donald Trump couldn’t resist weighing in on the latest scandal blowing up the Democratic Party, the one involving Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.

Jones is under fire for a series of text messages in which he allegedly joked about a Republican being shot and even appeared to wish harm on the man’s children.

“Nobody's heard that one before,” Trump remarked.

The controversy has thrown the state’s top races into chaos, overshadowing the heated gubernatorial face-off between Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger.

The two met Thursday night at Norfolk State University for their one and only debate.

Trump honors Charlie Kirk’s legacy

Tuesday’s ceremony was held on what would have been Charlie Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

“Today, we're here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, a beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody have ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber, the late, great Charlie Kirk,” Trump said.

The medal was accepted by the Turning Point USA founder's widow, Erika Kirk, who gave an emotional tribute during the ceremony. In one heartbreaking moment, she read a letter their three-year-old daughter had penned for her father's birthday.

“‘Happy birthday, daddy,’” she said, quoting her little girl. “‘I want to give you a stuffed animal. I want you to eat a cupcake with ice cream. And I want you to go have a birthday surprise. I love you,’ it’s what she said.”

Trump praised Erika’s “unbelievable strength” and promised continued support for her and the couple’s two children. “We will always be here for you. And we're always going to be here for your gorgeous, beautiful children,” the POTUS told her. “We'll never forget what your family has sacrificed for our country.”

Charlie Kirk's birthday designated 'National Day of Remembrance' 

Charlie Kirk’s death on September 10 sent shockwaves across the nation. Trump was the first to announce his passing and vowed the very next day to honor him with the nation’s highest civilian award, hailing the Turning Point USA founder as “a giant of his generation.”

“Five weeks ago, our nation was robbed of this extraordinary champion,” Trump said on Tuesday. “We’re entering his name forever into the eternal roster of true American heroes. He’s a true American hero, an amazing person.”

Kirk was a close Trump ally and known for his speeches and campus showdowns, albeit his remarks on gun rights, race, and LGBTQ issues often made him a lightning rod for critics.

The House and Senate have since passed a resolution designating October 14, Kirk’s birthday, as a “National Day of Remembrance.”