Trump remembers Charlie Kirk as ‘a giver, much more than a taker'

GLENDALE, ARIZONA: President Donald Trump took the stage to honor Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Addressing the crowd, Trump described America as a nation both in shock and mourning. “Two weeks ago our country was robbed off one of the brightest lights of our times,” he said, paying tribute to Charlie’s many admirable qualities.

Trump also shared personal memories of late-night calls from Charlie, highlighting how he was not only a passionate advocate but also a generous supporter of his. 

Trump talks about Charlie Kirk’s night calls

Trump recalled how Charlie Kirk would often call him the night before major events, urging him to attend. “He was a very convincing guy,” Trump said with a smile, mentioning that Kirk sometimes asked him to travel across the country, like to California, the very next day.

“He just wouldn’t stop, and he succeeded,” Trump added. “I almost always went because you never wanted to let Charlie down. He worked so hard—you just couldn’t let him down.”

Trump also praised Kirk’s unique character: “He’d make me feel guilty as president. Many people ask me for things, but Charlie was one of the few who always gave more than he took. He was a giver, much more than a taker. And no matter how big Charlie became, no one was too small for him to notice. He was good to everybody, didn't matter."

Trump opposes Erika Kirk’s call to forgive Charlie Kirk's killer

After sharing the story about Kirk’s calls, Trump also reflected on how he won the majority of men under 35. He credited the victory to Kirk’s efforts, saying, “He made me work for it! But we did it, and we won.”

However, Trump expressed disagreement with Erika Kirk’s decision to forgive the man who killed Charlie. He said, “I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them.”

He added, “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I’m sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me, and maybe she can convince me that’s not right. But I just can’t stand my opponent. Charlie’s angry, looking down—he’s angry at me now!”