In a heartfelt tribute, Vice President Vance, who recently transported Charlie Kirk's body from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, opened his remarks by acknowledging the irreplaceable void left by Kirk. “I’m filling in for somebody who cannot be filled in for, but I’ll do my best,” he stated, setting the tone for an emotional discussion.
During the program, Vance shared intimate conversations he had with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. He recounted her memories of Charlie as a gentle and loving husband, emphasizing the deep bond they shared. Vance highlighted a poignant moment when Erika revealed that her husband had never raised his voice at her, describing him as never “cross or mean-spirited.” This revelation struck a chord with Vance, who reflected, “I took from that moment that I needed to be a better husband and I needed to be a better father.”
In his closing remarks, Vance vehemently criticized the misinformation surrounding Kirk that he believes contributed to the tragedy. “I’m desperate for our country to be united in condemnation of the actions and the ideas that killed my friend,” he asserted. Vance pledged that the Trump administration would take decisive action against anyone inciting violence. “We can only have it with people who acknowledge that political violence is unacceptable,” he emphasized, urging for a collective stand against such destructive ideologies.
Vance’s appearance as a substitute radio host, alongside the broadcast from the White House complex, underscored Kirk’s significant role in promoting youth voter turnout through Turning Point USA, an influential political organization he founded. The close relationship between Kirk and the Trump-Vance team has been evident for nearly a decade, and Kirk was a strong advocate for Vance’s selection as Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick.
Throughout the program streamed on Rumble, Vance expressed his sense of loss while sitting with Erika Kirk last week. He reiterated the importance of honoring Charlie’s legacy by striving to be a better person.
Other notable figures present during the segment included chief of staff Susie Wiles, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. The discussion evolved to address the issue of what Vance termed “festering violence on the far left.”
Miller pledged, “With God as my witness, we’re going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy these networks” in the name of Charlie Kirk.
As investigations continue, law enforcement officials have indicated that the suspect in Kirk’s tragic shooting acted alone. Following Kirk’s fatal shooting last Wednesday at Utah Valley University, Vance canceled his scheduled events, including the 24th annual observance of the September 11 attacks in New York, to accompany Erika Kirk and Charlie’s casket back to Arizona aboard Air Force Two.
This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the profound impact that Charlie Kirk had on those around him and the ongoing commitment to combat political violence and promote unity in the face of tragedy.
