Trump recalls Charlie Kirk as 'great man' who built 'army of young people' ahead of memorial

MOUNT VERNON, VIRGINIA: President Donald Trump paid tribute to the late Charlie Kirk during remarks at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder’s Dinner on the evening of September 20, 2025, Saturday.

The president described the Turning Point USA founder as “a great man” and highlighted his central role in shaping their shared political movement.

Trump remembers Charlie Kirk’s role in shaping young conservative voices

“Tomorrow we’re honoring a great man, Charlie Kirk,” Trump told the audience. “We’re honoring somebody who’s been with us right from the beginning. He had an army, and he loved what we were doing so much.”

Trump recalled Kirk’s boundless energy and dedication. “He’d say, ‘President, could you come tomorrow and make a speech?’ I said, ‘Charlie, I’m president, you’ve got to give me a little notice.’ He said, ‘Well, would it be possible? They’d love to see you.’ Usually, I tried to do it too. He was unbelievable.”

The president highlighted Kirk’s ability to inspire a generation of conservative youth, saying, “He had just an army of young people. They loved him so much. I mean, they’re devastated right now. Everybody is devastated.”

Trump confirmed that he would attend Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on Sunday. While expressing the profound sense of loss, he acknowledged the tragedy of Kirk’s untimely death. “There are no words to really describe what happened. It should never have happened to him,” Trump said.

Turning Point USA sets guidelines for Charlie Kirk memorial at Arizona stadium

Turning Point USA released detailed instructions for attendees of the memorial service for its founder, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

The service will take place Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The organization requested that attendees wear their “Sunday Best” in patriotic colors, red, white, or blue. Parking at the stadium will be complimentary but limited, prompting TPUSA to encourage carpooling where possible.

A strict no-bag policy will be enforced. TPUSA warned that guests attempting to bring bags, including the clear bags normally permitted at stadium events, would be required to return them to their vehicles and rejoin the entry line from the end.

Doors to the memorial will open at 8 a.m. local time. Seating will operate on a “first come, first served” basis, subject to stadium capacity. For those unable to find seating inside, an indoor overflow area will be available at Desert Diamond Arena next door.

Due to “enhanced security measures,” attendees were asked to remain patient, as longer wait times were expected. TPUSA emphasized that cooperation and understanding would help ensure a safe and orderly service.

The organization requested that flowers or other personal items not be brought to the stadium. Instead, they could be delivered to TPUSA headquarters on East Beverly Road in Phoenix

Charlie Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, was 31 years old at the time of his death.