Trump tells Charlie Kirk memorial: ‘I hate my opponents, don’t want best for them’

At Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, President Donald Trump praised the slain conservative activist for uniting the MAGA movement and for his approach to debate—but also drew a sharp contrast between them. Trump told mourners he disagreed with Kirk’s willingness to wish his political opponents well, recounting a story in which Kirk said he wanted to “lead them into the great way of life in our country.”

“That's where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said. “I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them.” Trump added that perhaps Kirk’s widow, Erika, could persuade him otherwise, but insisted, “Right now I can’t stand my opponent.”

The remarks underscored both Trump’s admiration for Kirk’s influence and his own refusal to temper hostility toward political rivals.

President Trump at Charlie Kirk Memorial Service: "He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry Erika."