United States Vice President JD Vance is set to host a special edition of The Charlie Kirk Show from the White House on Monday, in honour of his late friend and conservative activist, Charlie Kirk.
The programme, scheduled to air at midday Eastern Time, comes less than a week after Kirk was fatally shot during a public speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.
Aged 31, the Conservative activist was a prominent figure in right-wing political circles and the founder of Turning Point USA. He was assassinated during a campus visit in Orem, Utah, prompting widespread tributes from political allies and supporters across the country.
Vice President Vance, who shared a longstanding personal and professional relationship with Kirk, announced the tribute broadcast via social media, describing it as “an honour” and a moment to “pay tribute to my friend”. The show will be streamed live on Rumble and marks the first time it will be hosted from the grounds of the White House.
In a letter released following the conservative activist’s death, Vance reflected on their friendship, which predated his entry into politics. He recalled reaching out to Kirk in 2021 when considering a Senate run, crediting him with key introductions, including to Donald Trump Jr., that helped shape his campaign. Kirk was described as a “dedicated advocate” who played a role in the selection process that ultimately led to Vance’s appointment as Vice President.
Vance reportedly learned of the conservative activist’s shooting via text messages received during a meeting in the West Wing. Some of the messages were from group chats that included Kirk himself, with many expressing prayers and concern. In his tribute, Vance wrote, “God didn’t answer those prayers, and that’s OK. He had other plans. And now that Charlie is in heaven, I’ll ask him to talk to the big man directly on behalf of his family, his friends, and the country he loved so dearly”.
Following the tragedy, Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance travelled to Utah to accompany Kirk’s body back to his home state of Arizona aboard Air Force Two. Photographs from the journey showed the Vice President assisting in the transport of the flag-draped casket, alongside uniformed service members and Kirk’s widow, Erika, who was seen holding the couple’s two young children.
The tribute episode is expected to feature personal reflections, audio highlights from Kirk’s previous broadcasts, and contributions from colleagues and friends who worked closely with him. Investigations into the shooting remain ongoing.
