During his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump paid tribute to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, remembering him as a close friend and urging Americans to reject political violence.
Introducing Erika Kirk, who was seated in the House Chamber as his guest, Trump said the country must āreject political violence of any kindā and stand united in a time of grief. Lawmakers in the chamber responded by chanting āCharlie, Charlieā as she stood, visibly emotional.
āA renewal of faith in Americaā
Trump credited Kirk with helping spark what he described as a revival of faith across the country.
āIām 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,ā he said. āThis is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend Charlie Kirk, great guy.ā
He went on to describe Kirk as a āmartyrā for his beliefs. āCharlie was violently murdered by an assassin, and a martyr, really, for his beliefs. His wonderful wife, Erika, is with us tonight,ā Trump said.
Also Read | Who are 'illegal aliens' mentioned by Donald Trump in his SOTU2026 address?
Call to reject political violence
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
Invoking his name toward the close of the remarks, Trump called for unity. āIn Charlieās memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under god, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind,ā he said.
