Trump memorializes Kirk: 'He did not hate his opponents. ... That's where I disagreed'

President Trump on Sunday memorialized conservative activist Charlie Kirk, praising his openness to debate and the movement he helped build.

Despite the somber tone of the event at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Trump’s speech frequently resembled a typical campaign rally or political address. Trump took frequent swipes at his political opponents, even as he acknowledged Kirk took a different approach. 

“He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them,” Trump said. “That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry.”

Trump noted at one point that Kirk referred to his political rivals as “the left,” adding that he preferred the term “radical left” or “radical-left lunatics.”

After noting Kirk helped unite Trump’s campaign with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, Trump spoke about plans for an announcement on Monday about autism. 

He claimed Democrats “cheated like dogs” in the 2020 election, a claim Kirk echoed after that campaign.

The president attacked Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), vowing that a forthcoming federal crackdown on crime in Chicago would be in Kirk’s honor. Kirk grew up in suburban Chicago. 

And Trump swiped at Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host who was indefinitely taken off the air after the head of the Federal Communications Commission threatened action over comments Kimmel made about Kirk’s death.

Kirk was shot and killed while appearing at a campus event at Utah Valley University earlier this month. Trump on Sunday called for the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, to receive the death penalty.

“It was an assault on our most sacred God-given liberties and God-given rights. The gun was pointed at him but the bullet was aimed at all of us,” Trump said. “The assassin failed in this quest because Charlie’s message has not been silenced, and now is bigger and better and stronger than ever before."

At the end of his remarks, Trump invited Erika Kirk on stage. Erika Kirk, who was crying, walked out and embraced the president.