Trump is furious about Charlie Kirk | WATCH

**Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk: A Bond of Loyalty and Shared Vision**

Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA, shared a relationship of deep mutual respect, personal friendship, and political alignment, rooted in their shared commitment to conservative values and the MAGA movement. Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, was not just a political ally but a trusted confidant of Trump and his family, often described as an extended member of their inner circle. Their bond, which grew over nearly a decade, was instrumental in shaping the modern Republican Party and mobilizing young voters for Trump’s campaigns.

Kirk’s relationship with Trump began during the 2016 presidential campaign, when Kirk, then a young conservative activist, was initially skeptical of Trump’s candidacy. At the 2016 Republican National Convention, Kirk admitted to *Wired* that he wasn’t Trump’s biggest fan but would vote for him, noting that Trump’s candidacy made Turning Point’s mission to promote conservative ideals on college campuses more challenging. However, Kirk quickly pivoted to support Trump after he secured the GOP nomination, becoming a personal aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the campaign. He assisted with travel and media arrangements, forging a close bond with the Trump family, particularly Trump Jr., who later described Kirk as “like a little brother” to him.

By 2018, Kirk’s influence had grown, and he was a frequent White House visitor during Trump’s first term. Their relationship deepened as Kirk’s Turning Point USA became a powerhouse for mobilizing young conservatives, aligning closely with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda. Trump praised Kirk’s ability to connect with youth, saying on the eve of his second inauguration, “Charlie is fantastic… don’t believe the stuff when you hear the kids are liberal. They’re not.” Kirk’s organization, founded in 2012 at age 18, targeted liberal-leaning college campuses, hosting events like the one where Kirk was killed, which drew large crowds for his “change-my-mind” debates.

Kirk’s loyalty was particularly significant after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, when Trump faced political isolation. Kirk remained steadfast, helping vet loyalists for Trump’s second-term administration and ensuring the White House prioritized MAGA-aligned figures. His efforts were pivotal in Trump’s 2024 campaign, where Turning Point Action’s “Chase the Vote” initiative invested millions in get-out-the-vote efforts in battleground states like Arizona, which Trump flipped by five points. Trump credited Kirk with galvanizing the youth vote, a crucial factor in his 2024 victory, and called him a “genius” for his ability to connect with young conservatives.

Kirk’s influence extended beyond logistics. He was a vocal advocate for Trump’s policies, amplifying messages on immigration, gender, and election integrity, often echoing Trump’s grievances about media bias and censorship. His podcast, *The Charlie Kirk Show*, with over 500,000 monthly listeners, and his 5.3 million X followers gave him a massive platform to promote Trump’s agenda. Kirk’s provocative style, calling Democrats “everything God hates” or chanting “Christ is King” at rallies, mirrored Trump’s combative rhetoric, cementing their ideological alignment

The personal bond between Trump and Kirk was evident in their frequent interactions. Kirk attended Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, joined Trump Jr. on a trip to Greenland to promote Trump’s Arctic ambitions, and was a regular at White House events, including a May 2025 swearing-in ceremony. Trump considered Kirk part of his extended family, a sentiment echoed by Trump Jr., who mourned Kirk’s death, saying, “This loss is absolutely devastating… for our country.” Vice President JD Vance, another close friend, credited Kirk with helping secure his spot as Trump’s 2024 running mate.

While their relationship was largely harmonious, there were rare moments of divergence. In June 2025, Kirk criticized Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites in Iran, warning of backlash from young supporters who valued Trump’s anti-war stance. Trump accepted the critique without retaliation, a testament to his respect for Kirk. Similarly, in July 2025, Kirk initially pushed for transparency on Jeffrey Epstein’s files but backed off after a call from Trump, showing his willingness to align with the president’s directives.

Kirk’s assassination was a personal blow to Trump, who announced his death on Truth Social, writing, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” Trump called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom,” ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until September 14, 2025, and blamed “radical left” rhetoric for the violence, reflecting his grief and anger. The White House, filled with young staffers who admired Kirk, was described as “ashen-faced” upon hearing the news.

Trump and Kirk’s relationship was a partnership of mutual benefit: Kirk provided Trump with a direct line to young conservatives, while Trump elevated Kirk’s platform, making him a leading voice of the MAGA movement. Kirk’s final X post, calling for action on a tragic murder to highlight criminal justice failures, reflected the bold, unapologetic style that Trump admired.

In a video message posted on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he was "filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk." The statement follows reports that the conservative activist was shot and killed at a Utah university.

Trump was the first person to officially confirm Kirk's death.

"Charlie inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," Trump said. "Charlie is a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loves so much, the United States of America."

The President praised Kirk as a "model for truth and freedom" and a man of "deep, deep faith." He added that there had "never been anyone who was so respected by youth."

Offering his condolences to Kirk's family, Trump said, "We take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven," adding that he asked God to watch over Kirk's wife and children "in this terrible hour of heartache and pain."

"This is a dark moment for America," Trump concluded.