US Vice President JD Vance, stepping in to host Charlie Kirk’s popular radio programme from the White House complex on Monday, delivered an emotional tribute to his slain friend while declaring that national unity is impossible with those celebrating the conservative activist’s assassination.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of both Vance and President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University last week. His killing, and the online celebration of it by some critics, has shaken the conservative movement.
“I’m desperate for our country to be united in condemnation of the actions and the ideas that killed my friend,” Vance said. “But we can only have it with people who acknowledge that political violence is unacceptable.”
VANCE HOSTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
Vance filled in for Kirk on The Charlie Kirk Show from his ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with the livestream broadcast in the White House press briefing room. The vice president began by telling listeners, “I’m filling in for somebody who cannot be filled in for, but I’ll do my best.”
He recalled transporting Kirk’s body aboard Air Force Two and recounted his conversations with Erika Kirk, the widow of his friend, who described her husband as a kind and gentle partner. Vance said her words inspired him to become a better husband and father.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS JOIN IN TRIBUTE
The programme featured appearances from senior officials including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
Miller vowed to use “every resource we have” to dismantle what he described as violent networks on the far left. “It will happen, and we will do it in Charlie’s name,” Miller said.
Law enforcement has said the suspected gunman acted alone.
A FRIENDSHIP THAT SHAPED GOP POLITICS
Vance and Kirk’s relationship stretched back nearly a decade, beginning when Kirk praised Vance after a television appearance. Over time, Kirk became one of Vance’s earliest and most influential backers, even advocating for him to be Donald Trump’s running mate.
Vance credited Kirk with helping Trump secure reelection and with introducing him to donors and campaign operatives who made his rise possible. “If it weren’t for Charlie Kirk, I would not be the vice president of the United States,” Vance said.
A MOVEMENT WITHOUT ITS ARCHITECT
Kirk’s death leaves a void in conservative organising, particularly among young voters. For Vance, the loss is deeply personal. “So much of the success we’ve had traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” he said.
In his closing remarks, the vice president pledged to honour Kirk not only through government action against political violence but also in his own life: “That is the way I’m going to honour my friend.”
– Ends
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