WASHINGTON, D.C. — Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, fought back tears Tuesday night as President Donald Trump honored her late husband during his State of the Union address at the United States Capitol. The emotional moment came as Trump, 79, recounted Charlie Kirk's violent death last year, drawing applause from the audience while Kirk, 37, remained seated, visibly moved by the recognition.
Trump's remarks highlighted the tragedy that struck in September 2025, when Charlie Kirk, then 31, was shot and killed by an assassin while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. 'So last year, Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred for his beliefs. His wonderful wife Erika is with us tonight,' Trump said, asking her to stand as the crowd applauded. Kirk declined the invitation, instead blotting her face with a tissue as tears welled up. Trump continued, addressing her directly: 'You’ve been through a lot.'
The president used the occasion to call for unity in the face of political violence. 'In Charlie’s memory we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation, under God, and we must totally reject all political violence of any kind,' he stated. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had previewed the theme earlier in the day, noting that the address would 'celebrate 250 glorious years of our nation’s independence and excellence, highlighting incredible stories of American heroes throughout the speech.' She added that Trump would urge Congress to 'firmly reject political violence against fellow citizens.'
Kirk's presence at the Capitol was no accident. As the new CEO of Turning Point USA, the organization her husband founded, she has stepped into a prominent role amid her grief. Hours before the speech, Turning Point USA spokesman Matt Shupe explained her decision to attend. 'President Trump has been a source of strength for Erika, constantly checking in with her over the last five months, and Erika is incredibly honored to be invited by the president to attend tonight’s State of the Union,' Shupe told The Daily Wire. He praised her resilience: 'Erika has been thrust into an enormously important role by fate and tragedy — and because Charlie chose her should the horrible moment ever come — and she has risen to the occasion with grace, dignity and a lot of hard work.'
The event marked a significant public appearance for Kirk since her husband's death, which shocked the conservative movement and drew widespread attention. A public memorial was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, attended by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The gathering underscored the deep ties between the Kirks and the upper echelons of Republican leadership.
One month after the memorial, in October 2025, Kirk and Vance reunited at a Turning Point USA event. There, she introduced the vice president to the crowd, sharing a heartfelt embrace that later sparked public discussion. 'No one will ever replace my husband,' Kirk said at the time. 'But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD — in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that’s why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him.'
The hug became a point of interest in November 2025, when Kirk addressed it during an appearance on Megyn Kelly Live. She described the moment in detail: 'My love language is touch, if you will. I will give you a play-by-play: They just played the emotional video. I’m walking over, [JD] is walking over. I’m starting to cry. He says, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ And I say, ‘God bless you,’ and I touch the back of his head. Anyone whom I have hugged, that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, ‘God bless you.’'
Leavitt confirmed Kirk's attendance in advance, emphasizing the speech's focus on American heroism. The State of the Union, delivered on February 24, 2026, came at a time of heightened national reflection on political divisions, with Trump's address weaving personal stories like Kirk's into broader calls for national unity.
Since Charlie Kirk's death, Erika has openly shared her grieving process, particularly on social media. On her first Valentine's Day without him, February 13, 2026, she posted a love letter from her late husband on Instagram. 'What I would give for one more love letter…' she wrote. 'I love you Charlie baby, you will always be my Valentine ❤️.'
Earlier reports noted the depth of her loss; Kirk reportedly slept in her daughter's bed for months following the tragedy, seeking comfort amid the upheaval. Her journey has included both private mourning and public advocacy, as she assumes leadership of Turning Point USA, an organization known for mobilizing young conservatives.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a fiery speaker and founder of Turning Point USA, occurred during a campus event in Orem, Utah, on September 2025. Authorities described it as a targeted attack, though details of the investigation remain ongoing according to public statements. The incident prompted renewed debates about security at political events and the risks faced by prominent figures in polarized times.
Trump's personal outreach to Kirk has been consistent, with reports of regular check-ins providing solace. Shupe's comments to The Daily Wire highlighted this support, portraying the president as a steadying influence during her transition to leadership. Meanwhile, Kirk's role at Turning Point USA has expanded, positioning her as a key voice in conservative circles.
As the nation grapples with the implications of political violence, Kirk's story serves as a poignant reminder of its human cost. Trump's invocation of her husband's memory during the State of the Union underscored a bipartisan — though politically charged — plea to reject such acts. Congressional leaders from both parties have echoed calls for safer discourse, though specifics on legislative responses remain under discussion.
Looking ahead, Kirk is expected to continue her work with Turning Point USA, potentially attending more high-profile events. Her attendance at the Capitol on Tuesday, despite the emotional toll, signals her determination to carry forward her husband's legacy. As she navigates this new chapter, supporters and observers alike watch how her influence might shape the conservative movement in the coming years.
The evening's events also drew attention to the broader context of the 2026 State of the Union, which celebrated the nation's 250th anniversary of independence. With Vance by his side, Trump used the platform to blend personal tributes with policy outlines, including economic initiatives and foreign policy stances. Kirk's quiet presence amid the pageantry added a layer of raw emotion to the proceedings, resonating with audiences tuned in from across the country.