The memorial for killed right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk signaled MAGA is readying for the end of President Donald Trump, according to analysis Monday.
The "religious revival" eulogy spanned hours and featured Kirk's widow, Erika, who spoke at the event at State Farm Stadium in Arizona and, in a memorable moment, said she forgave his killer, CNN reports.
The last speaker, Trump, described Kirk as “a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose."
But he called for more division, indicating that forgiveness and unity was for other people and insisting that Kirk's killing would further his move to push his power even further. He called for a crackdown on “radical” progressive groups, blamed the media and continued his complaints that the 2020 election was stolen from him.
“He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them,” Trump said about Kirk.
Then the president broke from the script.
“That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents.” Trump said, appearing to nearly apologize to Erika Kirk but continuing on. “And I don’t want the best for them.”
Trump's tone was different from other speakers at the event, even previewing a White House statement on autism expected to come Monday.
"Most interestingly, this was a rare MAGA event involving Trump that was not exclusively about the president," CNN's Stephen Collinson wrote. "It therefore hinted at the potential evolution of populist conservatism after the president has left the political stage."
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to be aware of the moment, leaning into religious rhetoric and showing generosity in their tributes for Kirk, who helped mobilize MAGA's young voters — sharing a glimpse into the potential 2028 GOP Presidential race ahead.
“For Charlie, we will rebuild this United States of America to greatness. For Charlie, we will never shrink, we will never cower, and we will never falter, even when staring down the barrel of a gun,” Vance said.
“He mattered,” Rubio said, describing Kirk. “And he will matter more than he ever has before."
Questions remain in the Republican Party for MAGA and Turning Point now that Kirk, who was credited with his work for helping Trump win the 2024 election, is gone.
In his analysis, Collinson asks who might be the next person to engage young voters and promote open, respectful debate, especially as Trump continues a hostile push towards authoritarianism. It presents a major question for the future of American politics and whether Republicans can energize young voters in the upcoming midterm elections.
Rubio and Vance will have to determine what that might look like next, for the future of the party, Collinson wrote.
“You ran a good race, my friend. I love you. We have got it from here,” Vance said.
