‘Martyred for his beliefs’: Trump honors Charlie Kirk, introduces widow Erika Kirk in emotional State of the Union tribute

President Donald Trump devoted a significant portion of his State of the Union address to what he described as a “tremendous renewal” of religion and faith in the United States, crediting conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a key figure behind that resurgence, particularly among young Americans.

“Proud to say that during my time in office both the first four years and in particular this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith and in God,” Trump said from the House chamber.

“This is especially true among young people and a big part of that had to do with my great friend Charlie Kirk, great guy, great man.”


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

The chamber responded with chants of “CHARLIE! CHARLIE!” as Erika Kirk stood in recognition.


Framing the tribute around national unity, Trump added: “We must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind. We love religion, and we love bringing it back. And it’s coming back at levels nobody actually thought possible.”

The phrase “one nation under God,” added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, has long been invoked in political speeches to underscore America’s religious identity. Trump’s remarks blended that language with a call to reject political violence, positioning Kirk’s death within a broader narrative of faith, sacrifice and national cohesion.

Charlie Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. His death sparked national attention and concern over political violence in the United States.

In the months since, Trump and allies have consistently honored Kirk’s memory, painting him as both a political force and a spiritual figure for conservative youth.

In October 2025, Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, during a White House ceremony.