Featured Image Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Topics: News, US News, Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, JD Vance, Politics, Gun Crime
Kit Roberts
Topics: News, US News, Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, JD Vance, Politics, Gun Crime
Donald Trump gave a speech at a memorial event for Charlie Kirk, and has been criticised over the contents of his address.
Thousands packed into State Farm Stadium in Arizona on Sunday for a memorial event dedicated to far-right activist Charlie Kirk.
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were among an A-lister packed bill of speakers addressing the crowd, including Tucker Carlson and Tulsi Gabbard.
The enormous event was organised by far-right organisation Turning Point US after Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while addressing a rally at a college campus in Utah on 10 September.
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Kirk was known for his hardline views on issues including the US civil rights movement, which he called a 'mistake', as well women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and gun violence, which he called 'worth it' in order to maintain Second Amendment rights.
Now, Trump has been criticised for his remarks at the funeral which have been deemed to be 'inappropriate' for a memorial event.
In the rambling, stream-of-consciousness style which is Trump's trademark in public speaking, the president spoke about topics including 'hating his opponents', as well his signature tariffs policy, and autism.
Addressing the crowd, Trump said: "He [Kirk] did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry."
He also spoke about tariffs, which have been a flagship policy in his second administration.
"Tariffs are making us rich again," Trump said. "Richer than anybody ever thought was possible. And the only one challenging them are people that hate our country or foreign countries that are paying a price."
And in one strange moment, Trump appeared to tease a 'big announcement' that the party would be making, saying: "I think we found an answer to autism, how about that?"
The president announced he would also be awarding Kirk the presidential medal of freedom.
Trump was among a long list of speakers at the memorial event which also included Kirk's wife Erika Kirk.
Speaking at the memorial, Erika said she would 'forgive' her husband's killer, saying: "I forgive him because it is what Christ did. Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do."
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and charged in connection with Kirk's death on 10 September, and prosecutors have told a court hearing they will be seeking the death penalty.