Trump Open to National Holiday Honoring Charlie Kirk, White House Says
White House indicates openness to legislation, as Kirk’s death triggers memorials and congressional resolutions; Trump has previously criticized holiday counts.
WASHINGTON — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that President Donald Trump would not oppose creating a national holiday to honor Charlie Kirk, the late conservative activist who was fatally shot Sept. 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University. Leavitt told reporters that it was "an interesting question" and that "I’m sure he wouldn’t oppose such a thing." Kirk, 31, was killed when a gunman struck him during a campus appearance.
Trump paid tribute during a public memorial in Phoenix on Sunday, hailing Kirk as a "martyr for American freedom." Both chambers of Congress have acted to honor him as well. The House and Senate last week adopted a resolution to create a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk" on Oct. 14. The House also passed a separate measure praising Kirk as a "courageous American patriot," though almost half of Democrats voted against or declined to support it.
Kirk's death has prompted prosecutors to file charges against a suspect. Tyler Robinson, 22, was identified as the man accused of killing Kirk and faces a murder charge along with related counts, including felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, and two counts of witness tampering. Investigators said the case is ongoing and authorities have not ruled out other legal actions.
During the Juneteenth celebrations last year, Trump criticized the proliferation of federal holidays, writing on Truth Social that there were "too many non-working holidays in America" and that such closures cost businesses billions of dollars to keep open. Public attention to Kirk’s case has intensified scrutiny of political rhetoric around national holidays and the use of commemorations to advance policy agendas.
Turning Point USA announced Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, has been named its new CEO and chair, replacing the late founder as the group plans to continue the "American Comeback Tour" he launched. The organization said the move would ensure the ongoing advancement of its conservative youth outreach and fundraising efforts.
The White House stance on a Kirk holiday remains non-binding and would require congressional action to become law. While Leavitt’s comments signal openness, lawmakers’ votes in recent weeks showed partisan divisions, and any bill would need broad support to clear both chambers and be signed by the president. If approved, the holiday would join the calendar of federal observances already numbering 12, including Juneteenth, added in 2021.
