Ivanka Trump Reacts to Charlie Kirk's Assassination: 'Very Personal'

Ivanka Trump is opening up about her personal relationship with controversial right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk following his untimely death.

“It’s unconscionable, what transpired, and very personal,” Trump, 43, said in an interview with CNBC on Friday, September 12. “I have known Charlie for approaching a decade now. And he was a good man, highly principled, and he was a champion for debate, dialogue and free speech — the cornerstone of democracy.”

The President of the United States’ daughter continued, “And he was silenced for being so persuasive, ultimately. And I think he represents the kind of politics we should aspire to, where you’re not afraid of people who disagree with you. In fact, you welcome them into conversation and debate. And you’re not afraid to have your opinions changed when a better argument is put to you.”

Trump — a senior adviser to President Donald Trump during his first term who has since limited her role within the White House following his 2024 presidential election win — then discussed the harms of partisan politics.

“Once we stop talking to one another, it all breaks down,” Trump she said. “Once we’re afraid of somebody’s ability to speak, and Charlie was one of the best. I mean, his tongue, his brain, that was his sword. So it’s heartbreaking and, obviously, like the rest of this country, my heart is with his beloved wife Erika [Kirk]. He loved her so much and his beautiful children.”

Kirk, who led the conservative nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, as shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10. He was 31.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” read a statement from Turning Point, released on Wednesday evening.

After a 33-hour manhunt, a 22-year-old shooter was apprehended and taken into custody. He is being held in Utah County Jail without bail and is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday, September, 16. Kirk’s death is being labeled as a political assassination.

On Friday, September 12, Kirk’s wife Erika broke her silence following her husband’s assassination, revealing what she told the pair’s 3-year-old daughter after his death.

“When I got home last night Gigi, our daughter, just ran into my arms and I talked to her and she said, ‘Mommy i miss you’ and I said I miss you too baby and she goes, ‘Where’s daddy?’ How do you tell a 3 year old? She’s 3,” she explained via a live stream on Charlie’s X account.

She continued: “And I said, ‘Daddy loves you so much baby, he’s on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.”

The pair, who married in 2021, also share a 1-year-old son.

“Most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart and I knew that everyday. He made sure I knew that everyday,” Erika also said. “Everyday he would ask me, ‘How can I serve you better? How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better father?’”

“I know my husband is still here. He’s watching over us. I don’t remember the last time I slept. I couldn’t sleep last night,” she added. “Charlie baby, Charlie I promise I will never let your legacy die baby I won’t. Oh, Charlie, I love you. I love you baby. Rest in the arms of our lord as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strives to hear. Well done my good and faithful servant.”