Ivanka Trump Honors Charlie Kirk, Urges National Reflection After Assassination

Ivanka Trump gave a rare television interview this week on CNBC’s Squawk Box to honor Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated during a university speaking event. Visibly emotional, Trump described the killing as “deeply personal,” referencing her nearly decade-long friendship with Kirk. She called his death “unconscionable” and a devastating loss to both his family and the nation.

“Charlie was a good man — principled, persuasive, and unafraid of disagreement,” Trump told host Joe Kernen. She emphasized Kirk’s ability to communicate with conviction and grace. “His tongue, his brain — that was his sword,” she said, highlighting how Kirk inspired dialogue through intellect rather than confrontation.

Trump praised Kirk’s dedication to free speech and civil discourse, saying he embodied what political engagement should look like. “He represented what politics should be — not fear of opposing views, but embracing them through respectful conversation.” When speaking about Erika Kirk and the couple’s two children, Trump became visibly emotional, calling their loss “heartbreaking.”

She also touched on the broader national climate, urging Americans to recognize the dangers of rising political violence. “There’s almost a normalization of extreme violence,” she said. “I pray this is an inflection point — the kind of moment that stirs the national conversation Charlie would have initiated himself.”

Ivanka, who stepped away from politics in 2021, closed the interview with a solemn plea: “Charlie was one of the best. We cannot let his voice be lost to silence.”