Large crowds have gathered at a stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at a Utah university earlier this month. President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet are expected to speak at the ceremony, prompting tight security. Kirk had a close relationship with the president and was a personal friend of many Trump administration officials.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow and heir to the leadership of Turning Point USA, will also give a speech. She expressed her grief over the loss of her husband and father of her children, promising to continue his mission.
Several Trump administration officials who will speak at the memorial have publicly and privately cited Kirk as a figure who significantly influenced their political careers. Kirk played an active role during Donald Trump's transition to a second term, temporarily moving his family to Florida to help select and vet new officials.
According to CNN sources, many of these officials had direct and regular contact with Kirk up until the time of his death. President Trump, who will deliver the closing remarks, has publicly praised Kirk for his key role in winning the youth vote in the 2024 election, a factor that he and his advisers say helped significantly in his electoral victory.
Vice President JD Vance, a close friend of Kirk, will also deliver a speech at the memorial. Vance has thanked Kirk for his involvement in the MAGA movement, his help during his Ohio senatorial campaign, and for convincing Donald Trump Jr. that Vance was a true supporter of the president, a decisive factor in his selection as vice president.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately credited Kirk with being the most influential person in his Senate confirmation. During a difficult process, one of the biggest obstacles was Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Kirk launched an aggressive campaign against her, threatening a runoff and mobilizing his large base.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said that Kirk was one of the key architects of his decision to endorse Trump and take the cabinet position. Administration sources say Kirk emphasized the importance of the Make America Healthy Again campaign as a way to broaden Trump's base of supporters.
Kirk had called the confirmation of Kennedy and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard a critical step for his mission. He used his platform to support Gabbard, who will also speak at the ceremony. Sources tell CNN that Kirk personally reached out to senators and their aides when Gabbard's confirmation was in jeopardy.
