TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
September 22 , 2025
WASHINGTON—Vice President JD Vance delivered a somber memorial address yesterday in honor of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk, who passed away last week. Speaking to a crowded sanctuary filled with family, supporters, and political allies, Vance described Kirk as a “forceful and unapologetic voice” whose influence shaped a generation of conservative thought.
“Charlie spoke with a clarity that is rare in our public life,” Vance told the audience. “In fact, no one could comment as eloquently as Charlie himself.” True to his words, Vance’s eulogy was punctuated with direct quotations from Kirk, allowing the late political activist’s own words to frame much of the speech.
During his tribute, Vance quoted remarks that exemplified Kirk’s uncompromising and often controversial approach. Among the selections were Kirk’s defense of gun rights—“I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year, so that we can have the Second Amendment”—and his rejection of empathy as a guiding principle—“I think empathy is a made-up, new age term that does a lot of damage.”
Kirk’s commentary on issues of race, gender, and culture also featured prominently in the Vice President’s retrospective. One statement read aloud was Kirk’s criticism of feminism: “Reject feminism. Submit to your husband.” Another invoked his skepticism toward diversity: “If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’” Additional quotes addressed his views on women in public life and his commentary on racial tensions in America—lines that have long sparked debate among his critics and supporters alike.
For Vice President Vance, the emphasis was less on reconciliation than remembrance. “Charlie challenged, provoked, and inspired,” he said toward the close of the ceremony. “He was uniquely himself. And whatever one thought of his words, they were always his own.”
Kirk, 31, rose to national prominence through his leadership of Turning Point USA, his university campus activism, and his commentary across cable television and new media platforms. His memorial, set against the backdrop of ongoing political divides, underscored the enduring impact—and controversy—of his voice in American politics.
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