Camilla Jessen
Donald Trump has been very invested in the killing of Charlie Kirk.
The killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shocked the United States.
But President Donald Trump’s response to the tragedy is drawing sharp criticism, with some accusing him of politicizing Kirk’s death before all the facts were known.
A Nation in Shock
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
His death has sparked widespread mourning and debate, with political leaders across party lines condemning the attack.
Trump’s Emotional Tribute
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump released a video statement calling Kirk “a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much.”
According to Newsner, he described Kirk as “a martyr for truth and freedom” and announced he would award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Blaming the “Radical Left”
Even before authorities had announced a suspect, Trump suggested the attack was linked to left-wing groups.
“We’re dealing with a radical left group of lunatics,” he told NBC News. “They don’t play fair and they never did.”
On Friday, authorities said the suspected shooter, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, had turned himself in. His motives remain unclear.
Funeral Attendance and Warnings
Trump announced he will attend Kirk’s funeral and warned that “left-leaning groups” could be investigated in the aftermath of the killing, though he did not provide details.
“If you look at the problem, the problem is on the left,” he said, blaming those who “burn American flags” and “speak badly of our country.”
Author Michael Wolff Speaks Out
Not everyone welcomed Trump’s remarks.
Michael Wolff, author of several books on the president, accused him of exploiting Kirk’s death for political gain.
Appearing on the Daily Beast podcast, Wolff said:
“Before we had a suspect, Donald Trump was out essentially saying that the left, the liberals, the Democrats… were complicit in the killing of Charlie Kirk. This is not only just specious [and] wrong, but it’s obviously irresponsible.”
“Too Close to His Own Experience”
Wolff suggested Trump’s reaction may be tied to his own past experiences.
“Maybe in his mind, inside Trump’s head, it’s too associated—and how could it not be—with his own assassination attempt,” Wolff said.
“So I think in some way he is running from this death instead of doing what a leader ought to be doing at this point—expressing grief and empathy.”
Honoring Kirk’s Legacy
“Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on,” Trump said, extending condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their children.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
