People Slam Trump’s ‘Bizarre’ Response When Asked About Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, 31, conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, has dominated headlines since his shocking death at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
But it isn’t just the murder investigation or the arrest of the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, that has sparked public debate. This time, it’s former President Donald Trump’s response when asked how he was coping with the loss of his friend.
Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Over 3,000 people witnessed the horrifying moment when a single bullet struck Kirk in the neck as he was taking audience questions during a campus debate. Despite the swift actions of his security team, Kirk was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Authorities launched a two-day manhunt, eventually arresting Robinson, who was identified on surveillance cameras fleeing the scene. The FBI has since revealed chilling Discord messages allegedly sent by Robinson, suggesting premeditation and detailed planning of the attack.
Trump’s Initial Tributes
As news broke of Kirk’s death, Trump was quick to issue a statement on Truth Social, describing him as a “great” and “legendary” patriot.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Trump later released a video message in which he condemned the “heinous” assassination of his “very good friend.”
In a touching tribute, Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, publicly acknowledged Trump and her late husband’s close bond:
“Mr. President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too.”
To honor Kirk, Trump also ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-mast nationwide until Sunday, September 14, writing:
“In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.”
https://twitter.com/SpencerHakimian/status/1966527816008155249
The Moment That Sparked Backlash
Despite these tributes, eyebrows were raised after Trump was asked by a reporter:
“How are you holding up over the last three and a half days?”
Trump’s response surprised many:
“I think very good.”
Instead of elaborating on grief or reflection, Trump immediately pivoted to discussing the construction of a new White House ballroom, a project reportedly costing $200 million.
“And by the way, you see all the trucks? They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House. Which is something they’ve been trying to get, as you know, for about 150 years, and it’s gonna be a beauty, it’ll be an absolutely magnificent structure.”
“It’ll get done very nicely and it’ll be one of the best anywhere in the world, actually.”
Social Media Reacts
The clip, quickly circulated on X (formerly Twitter), drew thousands of reactions.
-
One user commented: “What a bizarre way to respond.”
-
Another wrote: “I vehemently disagreed with every single thing Charlie Kirk ever said, and I was able to express more empathy than this.”
-
A third remarked sarcastically: “Now this is how you respect a man’s memory.”
Others defended Trump’s reaction, suggesting that not everyone grieves in the same way.
-
“Stay busy so the mind doesn’t wander. You’ve obviously never experienced deep grief and it shows,” one user said.
-
Another added: “Some people don’t react the way you think is best & they don’t owe you an explanation & that’s o.k.”
Trump, Grief, and Public Perception
This isn’t the first time Trump has drawn criticism for unconventional responses during moments of national tragedy. Supporters argue that his directness and tendency to focus on infrastructure, business, or forward-looking projects is simply his way of coping.
Critics, however, argue that his reaction underscores a lack of empathy, especially given his close ties with Kirk and the gravity of the assassination.
Political analysts note that Trump’s remarks—though bizarre to some—may resonate with his supporters, who see him as a pragmatic figure focused on action rather than sentiment.
The Bigger Picture
Charlie Kirk’s death has shaken the conservative movement and sparked intense debate over gun rights, political violence, and security at public events.
As for Trump, his response has once again highlighted how his unfiltered style—long seen as both his greatest strength and biggest weakness—can polarize public opinion even in moments of collective mourning.
Conclusion
While many expected Trump to express a more traditionally emotional response when asked how he was coping, his pivot to White House renovations has instead become the latest viral talking point.
Whether interpreted as cold, pragmatic, or simply unusual, Trump’s words have ensured that his reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination will be dissected just as much as the tragedy itself.
