Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional address to the nation Friday from a podium beside her husband’s chair, where he once broadcast his daily show. Carried live by Fox, the speech marked her first public remarks since Charlie’s assassination and cast her as a rising leader vowing to carry on his mission.
Speaking with a mixture of grief and resolve, Erika painted a picture of a man whose patriotism, faith, and love for family made him a target of hatred — but whose legacy, she said, will never die.
She told the audience that her husband’s deepest desire was simple:
“He wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith.”
“Charlie loved his children, and he loved me, with all his heart,” Erika said, before adding, “Our world is filled with evil – but our God is so incredibly good.”
She recalled her late husband’s drive and resilience, telling the audience:
“You only thought you had 5% left, but he knew you had 15.”
Adding that one of his mottos was “Never Surrender,” she stated that their campus tours will continue.
Faith, Family, and Mission
Charlie’s desire, Erika explained, was for young men and women to build families.
“He wanted everyone to bring heaven into this earth through love and joy that comes from raising a family.”
Charlie’s favorite word, she revealed, was “earn” — a reflection of his commitment to hard work and responsibility. His favorite Bible verse was Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Erika urged Americans to “revive the American family” and “bring heaven to this earth,” saying her husband’s voice would remain even in his absence.
“They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s merciful love,” she declared. “You have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country. You have no idea the fire you have ignited within this wife.”
A Widow’s Battle Cry
Erika promised that her grief would become a rallying cry for others:
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. The movement my husband has built will not die. I refuse to let that happen.”
She later added:
“Our battle is not simply a political one, but above all, it is spiritual.”
She told their three-year-old daughter that her father was simply “on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford her blueberry budget.” And she closed with words that resonated deeply with her audience:
“Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die. I will make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
“Rest in the arms of our Lord … well done, good and faithful servant.”
“God bless you all, and may God bless America.”
Her remarks, delivered from the podium beside the chair where her husband once broadcast nationwide, signaled the emergence of Erika Kirk as a new national voice — one determined to carry forward Charlie’s vision of faith, family, and freedom.