Trump Misses Charlie Kirk Vigil After Golf Outing
The political landscape continues to buzz as Donald Trump was notably absent from Sunday's vigil held at the Kennedy Center in honor of the late conservative activist, Charlie Kirk. While his absence raised eyebrows, key allies stepped up to commemorate Kirk's life and legacy.
Weekend Golfing and a Missed Vigil
According to reports, President Trump spent the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He briefly addressed Kirk's passing during a "Hope Through Education" gala on Saturday night, mentioning the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and alleged radicalization. However, his Sunday schedule remained clear of public events, leading to his absence at the Charlie Kirk vigil in Washington, D.C. His return to the White House was around 6:30 p.m., coinciding with the vigil's start time.
Allies Show Support at Kennedy Center
Despite Trump's absence, the vigil was well-attended, with approximately 85 members of Congress and prominent figures within the "MAGA" movement present. Notable attendees included House Speaker Mike Johnson, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt delivered a passionate speech, stating, "I speak on behalf of the president when I say President Trump loved you, Charlie, so much." Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Trump's affection for Kirk. Senator Jake Hoffman of Arizona reassured attendees that "President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance love Charlie Kirk just like you love Charlie Kirk.”
Trump's Remarks and Future Plans
While he didn't attend the vigil, President Trump has stated his intention to attend Kirk's funeral in Arizona next weekend, following his state visit to the U.K. He described Kirk's death as a loss of a "great person" and indicated that he would be traveling to Arizona on Air Force One with others. He also reiterated his stance against what he termed the "radical left," referencing the ongoing investigation into individuals celebrating Kirk's death online. He described these individuals as "sick people" and "deranged people," further fueling the already intense political climate.
Emotional Tributes and Calls for Unity
Speaker Johnson described a sense of "unspeakable sadness and grief and anger and even fear" following Kirk's assassination, emphasizing the impact on leaders and young people across the country. Leavitt credited Kirk with "turning the political tide" among American youth and said he was the first to congratulate her on her role as press secretary. RFK Jr. also delivered a powerful speech, calling Kirk his "soulmate" and "spiritual brother" and noting Kirk’s role in unifying him with President Trump. He spoke of the dangers they both faced and highlighted Kirk's dedication to protecting constitutional rights.
Investigation Update
The FBI has identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk's murder, which occurred at Utah Valley University. Robinson is expected to face charges soon.
The absence of Donald Trump at the vigil serves as a focal point for further discussion and reflection on the current state of American politics and the legacy of Charlie Kirk.
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