Trump Honors Slain Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk's Widow at State of the Union

Chants of "Charlie" erupt as president calls Kirk a "martyr" for his beliefs

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump honored the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was violently murdered last year. As Trump described Kirk as a "martyr" for his beliefs, the crowd erupted into chants of "Charlie." Kirk's widow, Erika, attended the event as a guest of the president.

Why it matters

The tribute to Charlie Kirk at the State of the Union highlights the ongoing political tensions and divisions in the country, as well as the president's efforts to appeal to his conservative base by honoring a prominent right-wing figure who was killed.

The details

President Trump described the late Charlie Kirk as a "martyr" for his conservative beliefs, and said that "in Charlie's memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that we are one nation under God." Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, is currently facing a death penalty case.

  • Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, back in September 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who honored Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, during the State of the Union address.

Erika Kirk

The widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who attended the State of the Union as a guest of President Trump.

Charlie Kirk

A conservative activist and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot in September 2025.

Tyler Robinson

The alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, who is currently facing a death penalty case in connection with Kirk's death.

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What they’re saying

“So last year, Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred for his beliefs. His wonderful wife Erika is with us tonight.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“In Charlie's memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that we are one nation under God. And we must totally reject political violence of any kind.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge in the case against Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow Robinson to be eligible for the death penalty.

The takeaway

This tribute to Charlie Kirk at the State of the Union highlights the ongoing political tensions and divisions in the country, as well as the president's efforts to appeal to his conservative base by honoring a prominent right-wing figure who was killed. It also raises questions about the role of political violence in the current climate.