Confusion has arisen regarding Donald Trump’s reaction when questioned about his emotional state following the recent death of Charlie Kirk.
This past Wednesday, Charlie Kirk was tragically killed by a gunshot wound to the neck while participating in a college debate at Utah Valley University (UVU), an event witnessed by over 3,000 people. The right-wing political activist was rushed to the hospital by his security team but was ultimately pronounced dead.
A search for the perpetrator ensued, and on Friday, September 12, it was announced that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had been apprehended following his attempt to escape, captured on surveillance footage.
Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce the 31-year-old’s death, referring to him as ‘great’ and ‘legendary’.
“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 wrote.
Lately, Trump posted a video condemning the ‘heinous’ assassination of his ‘very good friend’. Erika Kirk, in her first statement after her husband’s passing, reflected on the friendship between Trump and Kirk, saying: “Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too.”
The 79-year-old president directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-mast until Sunday to pay tribute to Kirk, writing on Truth Social: “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”
Confusion arose from Trump’s response to a reporter’s inquiry about his well-being after Kirk’s death. When asked, “How are you holding up over the last three and a half days?” Trump replied: “I think very good.”
Trump then shifted the conversation to the ongoing renovation of the White House’s ballroom, a project estimated to cost $200 million that began earlier this month.
He elaborated: “And by the way, right there 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.”
“And I just see all the trucks, they just started, so it’ll get done, uh, very nicely and it’ll be one of the best anywhere in the world, actually.”
Social media users shared their reactions to his comments. One user on X wrote: “Now this is how you respect a man’s memory.”
Another remarked: “What a bizarre way to respond,” while a third added: “I vehemently disagreed with every single thing Charlie Kirk ever said, and I was able to express more empathy than this.”
Conversely, some defended Trump’s response, suggesting that everyone deals with grief differently. One commenter noted: “Stay busy so the mind doesn’t wander. You’ve obviously never experienced deep grief and it shows.”
Another person shared: “Some people don’t react the way you think is best & they don’t owe you an explanation & that’s o.k.”
The White House has been contacted for comment on the matter.