He added a personal note: “This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend Charlie Kirk, great guy.”
Charlie Kirk was tragically shot dead on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Utah. Erika Kirk became TPUSA’s CEO weeks later, vowing to continue her late husband’s work and spread his message.
As Trump spoke about Charlie during the address, cameras captured Erika wiping tears from her eyes.
“Erika has been through a lot. In Charlie’s memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind,” Trump said.
Some online users criticized Erika, suggesting she might have been playing up for the cameras. Others expressed empathy, noting her visible struggle and what appeared to be a personal, heartfelt moment.
“Seeing Erika Kirk mouth ‘I miss you’ is heartbreaking,” one user wrote on X. Another commented, “I’m not a lip reader, but it appears that Erika says: ‘I miss you.’ after standing up. You can see her struggling to keep her composure when hearing Charlie’s name.”
Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, is currently facing a death penalty case in connection with the 2025 shooting.
The address also highlighted the nation’s political divide. Many Democrats skipped the speech entirely, attending rallies opposing Trump’s agenda. Congressman Al Green of Texas was escorted out for the second consecutive year after holding up a sign reading: “Black people aren’t apes!” as Trump entered the chamber.
What did you think of Trump’s State of the Union address? Share your thoughts in the comments.