Erika Kirk Opens Up About Life After Charlie Kirk's Death and Turning Point USA's Future

I know what every guy is thinking in the audience. How do I get a wife like Erica? I know that's what you're all thinking. And [music] the answer is, you don't deserve it and I don't deserve it. It's by God's grace. That's the answer. >> I have to say this without getting emotional, but I'm very [music] proud of my husband. You have worked so hard and I know a lot of you have seen obviously his videos on TikTok and all the stuff he does on campus. >> All right, you guys know how it works. answering your questions for a couple hours here. >> No one gets to see him from [music] my angle except for myself and our children. [music] >> He's amazing. I'm very blessed >> and I I would not have been able to do any of it without Erica. And that's the real truth. Charlie always said that when he was gone, [music] he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith. Charlie loved loved life. After Charlie's assassination, we didn't see violence. We didn't see rioting. We didn't see [music] revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always prayed he would see in [music] this country. We saw revival. That man, that young man, I forgive him. The movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband's name, and I will make sure of it. 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. I can't wait to see you again one day. >> [music] >> Please welcome Erica Kirk. You spoke the truth. You gathered the youth. You showed the proof. You raised the light and you were right. Hey Charlie, now it's all wrong. How could you be gone? How do we stay? It's way too [singing] long. >> We had to do the fire. >> Charlie loved those fireworks so much. >> That really is for Charlie. The fire. >> Anytime. That's the signature of a Turning Point USA event. More pyro. He would do the walkth through and they would do the pyro and he'd be like more. >> It's very >> louder. >> Do we do the fire after this beautiful tribute? People are going to be feeling emotional. I'm like fire it up. >> Fired up. >> Charlie would want it. >> Same with at the memorial. You know, everyone everyone got the fire. Everyone got the sparks. >> The fire makes a nice difference. >> So, let everyone in the crowd ready. >> Let me ask you a question that my friends who have lost somebody say is the right question. How are you doing today? Well, we talked about earlier this week how it was a it was an emotional week for me. Um, the firsts are always so interesting because the firsts are either like your first date, you know, your first kiss, your first and then with loss, it's like the first birthday, the first holiday. >> You know, it was Erica's birthday this week. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> happy birthday It was yours, too, wasn't it? >> There you go. >> Happy birthday to you. >> Thank you. >> Um, this is our birthday celebration together. You guys are all just happening to be here while we have coffee. [laughter] Um, but every day is different. I >> Let's sing happy birthday. We sang to you last night. >> I saw that was so two nights ago. Why? No. May we >> happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear. Happy birthday to you. [cheering] >> Many more. Many more. Told myself I wasn't going to cry. [laughter] hard not to. >> So, this was the first one. This and you're right, the first and and we're about to go into a season of first, which is always challenging >> and and I know you can relate to this because you lost your father at a really young age. >> Um, every every day is different, but I am so grateful that my husband, it was he's hand selected the village that surrounds me now. You know, he built Turning Point USA. Yes. And it's a machine. Yes. But he handpicked all of the people that not only run the organization, but that were within our orbit, our closest orbit, the people that he loved and he trusted so much. And that he knew without a shadow of a doubt if something happened to to him, that they would step up and they would be filled with the Holy Spirit and they would do what he knew they were born to do. And they wouldn't be afraid. They wouldn't cower. they would take on the mission that he had instilled in them. And so to be able to have that chosen family in that village that he helped literally handpicked, I could not do a fraction of a fraction. >> They've been amazing. Turning Point is in such good hands. Yes. Obviously with you as the CEO, but the team that you have around you, all of whom I've met are good and decent and loving people who adored Charlie. >> They loved him. >> Loved him. Let's go back before we get into your relationship with him and and your future to you because I think people are very curious about you. I I think they want to know more about you. >> So I know that obviously you were Miss Arizona. Hello. Nicely done. Good very very top selection. Um and that you were a businesswoman in New York when you first got interested in Turning Point. So what were you doing in New York? So to go back a little bit further, I mean right now first and foremost um I'm a daughter to the king the most high. That's the most important title if you will. And my husband in August before all this happened, he had a event where he had some donors at and one of the first questions they asked was, "God forbid if something happens to you, like what what what would happen next, a turning point?" And Charlie made a really interesting point. He said companies you know example Apple Macintosh he said they're founder le he said but what I have built is will one day if I'm not around be visionled and he had made mention at the end like you know Erica will do a great job running it and when I watched that video this week it really put into perspective ive my youth and what I went through growing up and what I witnessed, you know, my mom having her own company and being a single mother and watching her be the blueprint of, you know, I'm I'm not afraid of raising my children alone because I I saw my mom do that. I'm not afraid of being a CEO because I saw my mom do that. Um, the only thing that I fear to be fully transparent with you is being out of the alignment of God's will because I feel like that is a very dangerous position to be in. And so for me growing up, um, when I was in New York, it was one of those moments where I really trusted God. That's where I needed to be. I prayed on it at first because originally I was living in LA. And I said, "Lord, if this is where you need me to be, make it so clear." Bought a one-way ticket to New York. One suitcase. My mom was like, "What are you going to do when you're there?" I was like, "I'll figure it out once I get there. I just know that's where the Lord needs me." And so many people questioned that. They said, "You're such a strong Christian. Why would you go to such a dark city?" And I said, "The more that you take the light out of a dark place, the darker it gets." So that's where I'm going. And I was there. And >> yeah, but when I when I moved to New York, my brother said, "Why would you want to move to New York?" And I said, "It's the big city of dreams." And he said, "Scary, nasty, wake up in the middle of the night screaming dreams." So, I get it, right? >> Charlie Kirk [music] believed courage and conviction still matter. He wanted every Christian to stand firm in their faith, no matter the cost. That's why The Voice of the Martyrs is offering you a free copy of Extreme Devotion. Inside are true stories of Christians in places like China, Iran, and Nigeria who refused to deny Jesus Christ even in the face of imprisonment or death. [music] Charlie's passion was to see that kind of faith in all of us. Get your free copy today at vom.org/charie. That's vom.org/charlie. [music] >> Right. >> But it so you were working in New York for a while and then you went back to Arizona to apply for the Turning Point job. No. So, u I was in New York. I was a casting director. I was signed with a modeling agency. I had just gotten my real estate license 3 months prior to meeting Charlie. And rewind a little bit. I went to Turning Point's office opening for their f first building. And Tyler was he runs Turning Point Action now. and he said, 'You need to meet the CEO. I said, ' Okay, great. Met him very quickly. Shook his hand, said hi, nice to meet you. Neither of us thought anything of it. Looking back now, he apparently sat down with Tyler and said, "We need to hire," or Tyler said, "We need to hire her." And he goes, "Mhm." And he's like, "Where'd she live?" And Tyler said, "New York." He's like, "Okay, I'm going to have a Fox News hit and then I'm going to sit down with her and interview her in New York." So, lo and behold, he comes to Manhattan. And I thought I was so careerminded. My my mother raised me to and this is why I can relate a lot to the Manhattan mindset of a lot of young women where it's career oriented because my mom used to tell me don't feel like you need to rely on a man for life and work and and so my mindset my healthy marriage example was my grandparents But my mindset was career, career, career. When I met Charlie, the only reason I sat down with him because I thought it was a consulting position for work. I was not think I did not date in Manhattan. I saw the pits of hell of the dating pool through my roommates and I was not touching that with a any longest pole you can imagine. I stayed far away from the dating pool in Manhattan. Um, so I viewed it as obviously the job interview that it was supposed to be and the Lord knew. I just Charlie in some way similar to how you know he sees things in a lot of people in some way beautifully saved me from a huge mistake of putting career over family and career over husband because it's easy to do when as a female when you see bright lights big city >> but he the Lord used him. The Lord used him for me. >> How long did it take you to fall in love with him? [laughter] >> He That's the funny thing is it was it's so interesting because when we were sitting there, I fell in love with how brilliant he was to be able to articulate what he believed in. And when he said, "I'm not going to hire you. I'm going to date you." I knew that was the Lord because there were so many times where I said the my future husband that's out there, he will literally it will be the only reason why I look up is cuz the Lord says to look up and that was something to look up to when someone's like I'm going to date you. And so I just and but honestly it was the the constant consistency of I'm here for you. um you know the little texts in the morning and then it just continued to grow in a beautiful way. So yes, love at first sight, yes, obviously, but I again my mindset wasn't there. His was. So that you think of it, you're in an interview, you have to totally do a 180 of a mindset, but I um honestly where like the depths of the love started was when we were playing basketball together at the gym, just shooting around together. By the time we saw that video where he introduced you as his fiance and the two of you were staring at each other. >> Oh, I was obsess. I'm still obsessed. >> Not break your gaze. I mean that that's I think as the kids would say hashtag goals [laughter] for virtually everybody who wants love in their life. So you you did get married. >> Yes. >> You have two kids. >> Two precious babies. >> And you told me this in private, but how many kids did you guys want to have? We wanted to have four. Yeah. And I was praying to God that I was pregnant when he got murdered. >> Oh, wow. >> I thought of that once just like whether it was meant to be or whether we >> I know >> we'd get news like that. >> I was like, "Oh, goodness. That would be the ultimate blessing out of this catastrophe." >> [snorts] >> Um, so now when I see young couples, I tell them, please, like, don't put it off. Especially if you're a young woman, don't put it off. You can always have a career. You can always, you know, go back to work. You can never just go back to having children. And they grow so fast and so quickly. But [snorts] I just I was praying. Both of us were. We We were really excited to just expand our family. >> Thank God you have the two. >> I know. >> Thank God. You know, >> girl, I know >> one day they'll find out. Right now they're just, you know, little loves. And one day they'll find out that they're Charlie Kirk's children, and they'll know what that means, [applause] you know. So, I wanted to ask you, Erica, because you are so faithful, whether you you had any premonition that something was going to happen to Charlie. I really do see you as connected more so than the average than the rest of us to God. And I just wondered, did you did you have any sort of a feeling? We always we see the thing is is that I guess we just operate differently. We always knew there were threats. We always knew that there were people out there that hated us with deep, deep passion of hate. But it didn't scare us. Never. He was never afraid of that. Neither was I. Obviously, we pro protect our children, you know, we we don't show their faces on the internet, so that's very intentional. But I think we lived our life in such a way where if that was our last day, it was our last day. Like we always lived as if it was the last day. That's why Charlie's speeches were so good cuz he didn't know if that was going to be his last speech. And he was so intentional about every word. Every word had a meaning and and [clears throat] every speech had a connection point for the students and for whoever he was speaking to. And that's why he never missed the opportunity to weave the gospel into what he was saying. >> Yes. That's what made him so much more powerful than the rest of us. Yeah, >> if you see the difference between Charlie Kirk and many of, you know, the right-wing pundits or commentators, it's that >> he supercharged the message that the rest of us were saying >> with biblical references, with faithbased wisdom, >> which made it 10 times more powerful and people knew it. You know, it's one of the things we're all missing right now. >> But but to answer your question, um you know, we we always knew there were threats. We always knew that that could be a possibility. Um but obviously you know but we never lived in fear of when that day would be. We just trusted the Lord every day. >> You know now of course in the wake of Charlie's death many are living under threat. I mean the the the nut cases have gotten very loud and and emboldened. And I just wonder whether it was the kind of threat like environment that you needed to actually worry that something could happen or was it just the den of like there are haters out there you get these nutcase letters sometimes you know was it something like no it's actually getting really serious and we need to worry or was it just the den of like >> no I mean you would see obviously leading up to that there was several shootings there was several individuals with guns on campus so you you knew that the threat was there and things were starting to heat up. But again, it wasn't anything that um you know, you would think any different. >> No. No. >> I I know that the morning he died, he went back into your room. He had slept in your daughter's room because he got up in the middle of the night and she got up in the middle of the night. There was a switcher room >> snacks. >> We've all been there. >> Yeah. >> But he came back into your room and he got his necklace and he got his wedding ring, right? And his necklace >> had a cross on it and it had St. Michael's metal. >> Yeah. I wear it every day. It's right here. >> Wow. Oh, it's so beautiful. >> Yeah. >> And Erica, I help me understand. I I genuinely don't understand. I've asked Frank Turk this. I've asked everyone I can ask this question. I don't understand how you can be wearing your cross and your St. Michael's medal and be shot to death. I feel as Charlie felt that that's a that's armor. You know, we wear that to protect us and we believe God will protect us. How have you squared that? The Lord is so powerful and we're not meant to understand all of his ways, but there's mercy in that knowing that God uses evil for good. I don't know what exactly that is, but I do know that the Lord will use it. And if that means revival, the Lord I I I told people I said I have never found more comfort in the statement, thy will be done. >> Explain that. Why? >> Because it shows that control is an absolute illusion. The Lord knows the number of hairs on our head and he knows the number of our days. And that's why Charlie was so intentional of making sure everyone knew that their role in life was so important and that you guys are all the missing puzzle piece to to this whole story. And we used to explain it when we would have dinner sometimes about how when you look at a tapestry on one side you see all of these hanging threads and it doesn't make any sense. They're all different colored threads all over the place. But when you turn that tapestry around, you see how beautifully woven together and how intentional every thread is to that tapestry. And yes, I fully believe that you put on the full armor of God every single day. I mean, henceforth, all of my bracelets and rings, like everything has meaning to me. And that's why I always wear my bracelets, always wear my rings, [snorts] always wear my my necklaces. And it's one of those things where we will never understand God's ways fully. We're not meant to. uh we we wouldn't be our our mortal brains would not be able to even compute what he has designed and put together. Um but what I do know is that the Lord spoke through Charlie in so many ways and I still feel so deeply connected to him. Yeah. >> And I know that the Lord used such evil to bring about something that will eventually come to good. >> It's already started. I've seen it. [applause] I am a big believer in signs. You know, I think when you lose somebody, if you ask for a sign, do you guys believe in signs? Have you gotten any from him? >> You know, it's so interesting. When we first started dating, it's this is personal, but I share it only because maybe it'll be a sign for you to know that Charlie's with you in something. Um, when we first started dating, we would walk, we were walking to dinner one night, and this happened a lot. The lights would start to flicker, and he'd look up at the light and be like, "You know, it's so weird. This happens to me a lot." And I was like, "Really?" And he's like, "Yeah." So our whole dating and whole marriage, anytime we'd be a room and a light started to flicker, he would just look at me and wink. It was like our little thing. >> It's power. >> It's a total frequency thing. And so the night everything happened when we were in Utah, I was in a hotel room by myself u in the one the bedroom portion by myself and the bathroom light was on and it just was a strobe light all night just fl and I was like part of me couldn't sleep because it was a strobe light. The other part of me couldn't sleep because of how just my world has just crumbled and the other part of me couldn't sleep because I was like baby I feel you. I know you're here. Mhm. >> Um, so that was, you know, some signs, but another sign too is just my my daughter, you know, just saying little things and like I Okay, >> I see you. >> Is she starting to get it? >> Um, I Yes and no. I We talk I make I We talk about heaven. I make it really exciting. Um, I tell her, "Daddy had so much fun today." Everyone who has written letters and sent gifts to my children, "Thank you." I tell her, my son, he's only a year and a half, but I tell both of them, um, "Daddy is telling all of his friends to send you gifts and letters." And, >> you know, daddy is orchestrating from heaven to make sure that you always feel so loved. And the other day she was like, "Tell me about daddy's day in heaven." So just >> we talk about that at night. And then sometimes I'll say, "Well, tell me what you think he did in heaven today." And um we just I just try to make it exciting because it is it is heaven is heaven's our home. And so I just want her to know that daddy is having so much fun and building a place for her and our family in heaven. >> How do you Yeah. [applause] I know that you haven't watched the video and you shouldn't watch the video and you don't >> I've never watched that video >> and you don't want the kids to watch the video. Yeah. But how do you how are you going to handle it when they get older, Erica, and they start to learn about the haters, right? Because there does have to come a time where that needs to be put in the proper perspective. Charlie was so tough. He It was hard to get him rattled about these attacks. But, and I can speak to this having having my own children, two of whom are backstage. You know, there comes a time where you have to sort of help your kids understand the terrible negative messages that are out there about someone they deeply love. How have you thought about that at all? Like how you're going to walk them into that? >> You know, it's I first and foremost want my children to have a childhood. Um, so that's another reason why I don't put them on the internet. Uh, it's another reason why I don't expose them to certain screen time. U, I've said it before, some of the shows that the only shows they would watch is Charlie, uh, Bob Ross because he has a very nap inducing voice. [laughter] And then, uh, you know, every now and then it would be some of Charlie's events. But I want them to be children first. And I want to teach them so much about God and Jesus so that when they do get older and they do see the hate, they also understand how much good is still out there. And they also understand that they could be the antidote to the evil. Um, and they can pray for those people and not be afraid. I'd never want them to be afraid. But I want them to also see that that evil is because they or their parents or their loved ones is actually doing something to make a difference. Because if if you're not getting attacked or slandered or whatever else out there, you're just looking a lot like the rest of the world. And I want them to know that that's okay. You know, I I have been called so many names. I have been slandered and none of that means anything to me. It's all just noise. >> It's really been crazy. >> No, it's unbelievable. Yeah. >> Watching people turn on you >> has been one of the most unexpected, strange, terrible things. >> You know what, Megan? And and I know you get this cuz you have a very you have a thick skin and a soft heart. The thing is is that the more that people and it gets outlandish, more and more crazy as as time goes on because there's just a void that apparently needs to be filled. But I'm okay with the world not understanding me. I'm okay with that. I'm okay with with they, you know, I I don't want to look like the world. We're we're as Christians, we're called to be in the world, not of it. And if they could understand me, then I'm not doing something right. >> That's well said. [applause] >> Forgive me. Did you see people didn't understand the hug that you and JD had? >> They they went to the weirdest places, Erica. >> Oh my gosh, you guys. Please. So, for those of you who know me, I never I I'm a very >> I love I hug is like >> you're an intense hugger. Whoever is like hating on a hug needs a hug themselves. I will give you a free hug anytime you want a hug. My love language is touch, if you will. But seriously, that hug. So, I will give you a playbyplay walking. They just played the emotional video. I'm walking over. He's walking over. I'm starting to cry. He says he's so proud of you. And I say, "God bless you." And I touch the back of his head. Anyone who I have hugged that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, "God bless you." That's just me. If you want to take that out of context, go right ahead. Again, that to me shows that you need a hug more than anyone else. Um, so if anyone >> they were acting like you touched the back of his ass. >> I I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that versus But no, seriously. So now when I go and hug people, I'll bring them back in and be like, I obviously didn't give you the right hug. Like come let me touch the back. Where do your hands go? >> I don't know what to do with my head. >> Can't touch the head. What can I touch? >> I know. I'll just >> Not me. I'm always like, if you touch the back of my head, I'm like, "Oh, she's feeling the extension." >> Damn. >> That's another thing. People think my hair is fake. It is very real. >> My hair stylist told me your hair is real. She was like, "Oh, no. That's all real. >> This is real." I've had some women. They like come and touch the back of my head. I'm like, "What are you doing?" >> They're feeling for the >> we out. Yeah, >> they're patting the weave. >> I know. Anyway, >> how is that real? Have you just been growing it out your whole life? >> We want to know. >> My mother Okay, so I was I loved sports growing up. I was the my I started playing basketball when I was five. My first coach, he was Charles Barkley of all people, which is amazing to have as your five-year-old YMCA coach. >> Good to see you with your little Charles Barkley doll. >> No, it was great. He's an awesome man. His daughter was was a dear friend. Um, and so I loved sports and my mom I was swimming all the time. I was always super active and since my mom worked, um, I was always at the Boys and Girls Club, always. And I was the last kid to get picked up from the Boys and Girls Club every single day and the poor counselor or whatever you want to call him that had to stand with me at waiting for my mom to pick me up every day. I I loved sports. I loved basketball so much. It was such a good escape for me as a as a child. And and I remember my hair from swimming was so ratted because I have very coarse hair and my mom hated combing my hair. And so her solution was a bull cut. >> Oh boy. >> Straight across. Traumatizing. To this point, my hairdresser knows when we get a trim, it is literally like a fraction of my hair. I will never have hair shorter than my shoulders. Charlie loved my hair, though. He He just He loved how long it So, what you're saying is you have long, thick, coarse hair that takes you a while to grow out and take care of and you're not black or named Michelle Obama, >> which is fascinating. That can happen. >> With all the conspiracy theories out there, I'm not going to touch that one either. [laughter] Like, >> but >> hopefully you haven't been paying too much attention to the news cycle, but they know what I'm talking about. No, but the the my hair to get back to that is something that um I just I it was I'm not going to cut it. I'm not going to, you know, liked it long. >> He liked it. He liked it long. And here we are. And but my mom, if you ask my mom, she'll tell you it's when you she grew up from the standpoint of a Lebanese Italian background and you're supposed to shave your kid's head when they're two and then it's supposed to grow back really thick after that. I was a product of the shaved head. So, if you would like to try that on your 2-year-old, >> unsolicited advice. >> Does it work on the 55year-old? >> I have no idea. You guys tell me. >> I don't know. I going to try. You know, you raised the issue of the girls. >> If you see us shaved head by December, you know why. >> Oh, yeah. >> We all look like Britney Spears. >> The headline, well, they went full skin head, >> right? Oh, there you go. >> And are listening to Nick. Yeah. No. >> Yeah. Last thing. Yeah. >> Um, while we're on the subject, because you really were a very strong female athlete, >> can I ask you your position on that? Because >> Oh, yeah. totally. >> Like, because this is obviously a dominant thing. We had Megan Rapino in the news just this week saying people are they don't really mean it. They don't actually have an objection to men playing in women's sports. They're just using it like as an issue. She made all her money. She's sitting pretty, but she wants your daughter to play against boys. Your thoughts on it? So, well, you can take this as a twofold. So, if you're looking at it from the sports angle where you're playing up against men, I mean, I know this has been said before, but then what's the point of female sports, but to me being an an I played in college, I worked so hard for that scholarship. I knew my strengths as a point guard. I hated driving the lane always. I always shot the three. That was like my thing. I'm not driving to have someone who's like 67 just pat just not happening. >> She said it. [laughter] >> So for me, sports has a very special place in my heart. But as a mom now and and watching my daughter compete, it's just I know they say, you know, life isn't fair. I get that. Life's not fair. But there's certain things that are really special and women's sports is one of them. And it's really some people look down on it, some people think it's not it, but you know those girls have worked so hard for their position and to have it taken away from them by someone who couldn't rank in their own sport and field. It's demoralizing and it also weighs on the whole topic of being a woman, being proud to be a woman, being proud to be a strong female athlete. And I wouldn't want that taken away from anybody. >> That's right. Having the glorious chance of accomplishment. I mean, you we'll never win if we're playing against biological boys. We'll never have that glorious feeling of crossing the finish line first or being the one who has the game-winning shot because it's always going to go to a man. It's just one of the basic things they we always talk about the unfairness of it and the safety of it, but just think about that. Like the glorious feeling of winning, which I never had because I wasn't an athlete, but you had it. >> I don't know. I feel like politics somewhat is form of a a athletic feat. So [laughter] it's, >> you know, I I had it like when Don Lemon got fired. >> It's It depends. >> That was your moment. >> Yeah. You know, we all look for our our moments. Yeah. We feel good. >> I want to ask you about the book that you're holding in your hands. >> Yes. Charlie's book. I took the dust cover off because I carry his book everywhere. Stop in the name of God. It's coming out soon. >> Charlie's coming out with a book. Yeah, >> he's coming out with a book, Stop in the Name of God, which is a great title, Stop in the Name of God. And what is it about? >> Took him a year and a half to write it. And this book, I mean, when I'm reading it, I'm like, I did not even know you knew that. Um, it is so powerful, overarching theme of it is the power of honoring the Sabbath and the important of rest. and reading this and I even brought one of his journals with me to read out of it because the thing that's so interesting about reading this book and reading this journal and I know a lot of you that are Christians will understand this. They tell you that when you read the Bible it's the living word of God and it is and you see the Lord in technicolor when you read the Bible and you actually understand those words. And so for me, reading Charlie's journals and reading this book, it's like he's I mean, he's still he's present with the Lord, but it's feels like he's still fully here. Um, and that's what's so powerful about this book. And I watched him as a wife completely transform into an already I mean he was already amazing and incredible but it totally elevated him when he was honoring the Sabbath and when he really took that seriously that time to rest seriously and I just can't help but think like everything and to go to your point of signs I don't think anything is by coincidence But to have this be his last book and to him totally master what it means to rest with the Lord, it's all for full circle now cuz it's the ultimate Sabbath where he is right now in heaven. >> When did you get to read it >> when? >> Yeah. >> As much as I can driving into the office or >> No, but I mean was it written entire in its entirety before Charlie died? >> Yes, it was. >> Yes, it was. He finished writing this, I believe, in July, June or July of of this year. >> So, you had read it, >> but to read it in a book format and not an email format that he would send me is >> something >> night and day difference. Yeah. >> What What are the pages that are folded over? one that I well all of them are amazing but the one that I wanted to read uh was the part about sleeping because Charlie his adrenaline was always going and it was very hard for him to turn his brain off at night henceforth snacks at like 2 a.m. And >> did you tell me olives and bananas? [laughter] >> Not together. Not together. But you know, >> but he was like even snacking in a healthy manner. Almonds. Yeah. >> Also, we do have to discuss the fact that you said he only had mint chocolate chip ice cream once a year, >> twice. And >> fourth of July and his birthday, right? And and no ice cream any other day. His self-control and self-discipline was phenomenal. And to the point too where when I was pregnant, 70% of the reason why no one saw me when I was pregnant was because of this situation. The other 30% was because I just was with my babies. But 70% of it was I'm really [clears throat] hungry. I think I should I have a milkshake? Baby, get that milkshake. But I don't know if I should have that milkshake. You need the milkshake. I'm gonna go and get you that milkshake. Do you want a hot fudge Sunday, too? I'm gonna get that In-N-Out burger. No questions. I'll be right back. animal style. So, he'd come home, he loved it because he loved driving around at night. So, he'd come home with the In-N-Out Burger, animal style, protein, salt, whatever, mixed in with the hot fudge sundae, the chocolate shake, and he would be so excited to give it to me and watch me eat it. But that was because he was living vicariously through me. [laughter] So, no joke, I got to like 190 lbs. I was like, I am literally going to weigh more than you by the end of this pregnancy. And he'd be like, "Baby, you look great. you look. Don't worry about that. That's just baby weight. That'll I mean, granted, it does go away. It takes a long time. >> He's sitting there eating his olives. >> No, no, he's just watching me. And I'm like, >> I will enjoy this hot fudge Sunday while you wish that you could have, but he was so selfdisciplined and he was so good about eating. He was biohacking was his love language of being healthy, eating clean. He could not operate on fast food the way that he was in general. Like that's why he never drank. That's why he never It wasn't from, you know, a motive [clears throat] of I'm better than whoever. It was from the motive of I need to operate as if I'm going to war every single day and I can't operate on this type of food. >> It's amazing. And speaking of the sleep, that's very >> No, right. So, the sleep was important because I was like, he he loved his sleep. And something that I was very intentional about is when he came home, I would always let him sleep in always. on the weekends, I would take the kids, go for a walk, whatever it took, and I would want him to wake up when it was time to wake up because I knew how important rest was for him. And so when I read this in the book, I I just it was on my heart to share it with you. Um cuz it the title of it says, "Jesus slept, Elijah slept, and so can you." And he said, "So start tonight. Close the laptop. Power down the phone. Let the dishes wait. Pull the shades. Dim the lights. And give your body permission to do what it was created to do, to rest. Let your bed become an altar of trust. As your head touches the pillow and whisper to God, I release it all to you. You don't need to check one more email. You don't need to prove anything. You don't need to carry the weight of the world. It already has a savior and it's not you. Sleep is not a distraction from your purpose. It is part of your purpose. It is a sacred rhythm that restores your mind, heals your body, and quiets your soul. The Sabbath is your weekly reminder that you are not a machine. You are a beloved child. And children sleep well when they know their father is near. So go ahead, embrace the gift. Make your Sabbath a day not just of rest, but of sleep. Deep, joyful, and replenishing sleep. You're allowed. And more than that, you're invited. Rest isn't weakness. It's worship. And tomorrow will be better because you trusted God enough to rest today. >> Wow. He was keeping the Sabbath. >> He was. So, with that, since today is his Sabbath, um I wanted to read to you from his journal. >> Oh, wow. Is that it right there? >> Yeah. >> Wow. >> In his handwriting, um a note that he wrote to himself um for to honor the Sabbath, he said, "Dear Lord, thank you for a wonderful week. Thank you for your endless protection and provision. Father God, thank you for your mercy and grace. Lord, I did better this week despite the challenges of travel. I miss my wife. It's hard to be away from her for a few days. Thank you for giving us a road map of what it means to be obedient and put Christ first. Lord, I have realized the following. The battle against the mind is Satan's playground. He dwells and prowls to destroy. The more in alignment we walk in your command and teachings, the more joy and blessing we experience. Lord, thank you for showing us the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for blessing our organization. I pray for resolution amongst the divides that Satan is attempting. Lord, we pray for blessing for the people who feel they have been wronged. Father God, we ask for your guidance, wisdom, and direction, your comfort, and your healing. We love you, Lord. Thank you for another Sabbath, CK. >> Wow. Erica, I know you touched on it earlier, but I One of the reactions I have to hearing that is like I get angry. How can that man have been taken? How he was all goodness. The left who are bastardizing his memory have no idea what they're talking about. Charlie was all goodness. I know we can't understand God's plan, but have you had bouts of anger? You know, I I think about what the kids are going to miss, what you got jipped out of, what poor Charlie now is going to miss. And I feel angry. Sadness, of course, obviously, but yes, against the accused shooter, but just I know you don't ever feel angry against God, but I kind of do. >> I understand. >> How do you make sense of that? And and do you do you have any anger when you think about it towards the Lord? But in general, >> the enemy would love for me to be angry. He would love it. He would love [applause] it because it would distract me from building what Charlie entrusted to me. Raising our babies. turning point, being there for the team, being there for what the future holds. And if I had any amount of anger in my heart and spirit, the Lord would not be able to use me. And every single day, just like Charlie did, stood on stage, he would say, "Here I am. Lord, use me." And if I had that anger in my heart, that foothold from the enemy, he wouldn't be able to. I know at Charlie's memorial [applause] right across the way here there was that extraordinary moment where you forgave his accused killer. And I mean I I looked and I said that's the most powerful strongest thing I've ever seen anybody do in my life. And then somebody helped me understand because I thought I I can't I could never do it. I could never do it. And and somebody said to me, "Forgiveness is an action, not an emotion." And I was like, "Okay, that's getting me closer to feeling like I could do it if I don't actually have to feel loving in my heart toward the person." But I wonder like how do you if you if you could say something to him, if you could like if you say something to his parents, like what would it be? Would it be anger? Would it be sympathy? What would it be? That's a good question. It wouldn't be it wouldn't be it wouldn't be sympathy. It wouldn't be anger. How do you put this? anything that I could ever wish upon him or that family would pale in comparison of the justice of God. And so I would look at them almost like I'm so glad I'm not you. I am so glad I'm not you and I pray that you know you figure out a way to be right with the Lord. But our God is our God is sovereign, but he's also very just. We serve a very justfilled God. That's right. >> [applause] >> So, I really have nothing to say to any of them. >> Yeah. Nor do you need to. >> I never >> You mentioned in your remarks at Charlie's funeral that, you know, you pointed out the irony that the accused shooter is exactly the kind of person who Charlie meant to help. >> Yes. >> And that's kind of what he dedicated his life to doing. >> He did >> is trying to reach disaffected young men who had been forgotten by a system or worse than forgotten. remembered and told that they're terrible and to blame for everything, >> right? >> And those messages for years now have really materially seriously affected the health and mental well-being of a generation of young men. >> Yeah. >> Who need Turning Point. >> Yeah. >> And so that's a huge responsibility for you. Like it's not just, oh, we have a great political organization and it's a really big thing and people love it. You actually have to go about the business of saving an entire generation in particular of young men, but young women, too. >> How are you going to do that? I mean, I think everybody wants to know without Charlie, how how are you going to do that? A few things. First, Charlie would say, "I want to save the Lost Boys of the West." that was on his he had a to-do list and that was on the top point of the to-do list that he had. He has that piece of paper still on his desk at his office. But what's so powerful about all of this is that Charlie was so focused on the family. He didn't believe that it was up to the government to raise your kids. Um, he wanted to not only empower the students, but also the parents. And something that you've done so beautifully, Megan, is that your children, you've raised them with the truth and understanding the importance of loving this country. You might not agree with everything that the government does. That's life. It's the government. Um, but you still love this country and so your babies even started Turning Point Chapters. But it's also because you as a parent saw how important that was. And I think that's what's so special about Turning Point USA, is that when we have these events, especially America Fest, it is so family oriented. We're not out there trying to raise your kid. We're trying to reaffirm what you've been telling them this whole time. We're trying to reaffirm to them that there is a space for you. We are here for the civil discourse. We are here for the debates. We are here for the dialogue. We are here for the freedom of speech. That's our that's our role. Save Western civilization. But what Charlie loved and him being a parent also was that he wanted to inspire the parents to show his their kids what true north is. and then say you have a home at Turning Point that will help fuel that even more. And so that's how I view us being able to help. Charlie spoke very frankly to young men. He did it on my show many times. And one of my favorite clips of him is the dating advice one, right? Do you know the clip I mean where he said you got to pay on the first date to the guys when you are courting a a woman. He said when you are courting. Yes. He was very sweet to those guys. is you seem like nice guys, but it's absolutely ridiculous that you're talking about not paying, >> right? >> So, let me ask you the other side of it. What's your advice to young women who get asked out by young men? >> Well, stay away from hookup culture. Don't just date to date. If a guy wants to take you to drinks instead of dinner, that's a huge red flag. If they don't want to go to church with you and have brunch afterwards, another huge red flag, don't introduce them to your family until you know without a shadow of a doubt that might be the man that you're going to marry. And don't treat your boyfriend like your husband. Don't treat your boyfriend like your fiance. Treat them like your boyfriend. Treat your fiance like your fiance and your husband like your husband. And I think that when you stay focused on the Lord and the lane that he has you in, which is a stream of significance, keep swimming in that, the man that's supposed to be with you will not detract you from the Lord. He'll enhance your focus on the Lord and he will help build there, be there to build with you, to to love on you, to be there for your family. He won't tear you away from your family. He won't challenge your beliefs in a way that makes you question the Lord and and what you know in your heart to be true. He'll love you so well, just like my Charlie did. And he'll be a compliment to you in such a beautiful way. And you'll be equally yolked where you're not having to compete and you're not having to strive. the two of you are in lock step and you're building something beautiful for the kingdom and it's powerful. [applause] If >> if I could just a quick addendum, don't be a >> Right. Just >> that too. >> Note to self. >> Note to self, right? >> All right. Now, in the time we have left, I've got to ask you this. Um, Turning Point played a massive role in the past election, in the presidential election. >> Massive role. >> I know. >> And so we have to talk about what Turning Point may or may not do in 26 and most importantly in 28 and why is it get behind JD Vance. [screaming] >> Let's start with midterms first before we start jumping to 28. And let's enjoy the fact that we do have Donald Trump in office and we worked really hard. >> Let's enjoy that fact. worked really hard to make that happen. My husband did. So, I just want to enjoy that for a minute before we start jumping ahead. But my husband, like I said, built a machine. And some of the secret sauce within that was that he loved the students, but also he loved empowering them to know that they could make a difference. and how important voting was. And when you see these pictures of him when he first started Turning Point USA, he was so bought into his own mission. He wasn't, you know, in an office cubicle while the students were out in event. He was there wearing his lanyard with his little name tag and a big gov sucks button and socialism sucks button. and he believed in the mission so much. And for a lack of better term, he he knew that the unsexy work was what it took to save elections, which is tennis shoes and clipboards and speaking to your neighbors, knocking on doors, being involved with your community, not being afraid to explain to people why you believe what you believe. And nothing is changing at Turning Point USA or Turning Point Action. If anything, it's just continuing to grow. I mean, you've seen the numbers of how many chapters and churches and and it's been phenomenal. And and yes, there is there is a structure of quality over quantity. But the 26 midterms obviously will be focusing heavily on Arizona. It's our home state. Um, but the thing I love the most, especially about, and if you guys have ever been to our our campus, if you have not, I I really suggest you come by. We have a building that's specifically for the Turning Point Action Building. And it is one of my favorite buildings to go into because I feel the heartbeat of Charlie in there from a strategy standpoint cuz it's a literal, it's like a war room in there. They have the polling and they have the the the strategy laid out and they have the door knockers. It's really, really powerful to witness. And I can just see Charlie being like, "Knock on that one one more door. One more door. Talk to that neighbor one more time." And so we are thrilled to be able to still make massive impacts and inroads with the upcoming elections. And the team that Charlie built, I tell you what, I I would uh I would bet on them any day. Always. You mentioned I mentioned JD, you mentioned Trump. Can you just give us a minute on them because from afar it has looked like they've been so there for you. >> Yes. >> And you know, I don't think most people were surprised to see JD do it, but everyone says Trump has no empathy. He's a nasty guy. You don't you know, he's a he's a mean guy. He's a Nazi. Pick your term. I saw him with you at the Presidential Medal of Freedom when he awarded it to Charlie postumously. Can you just tell us a little bit about how they've been behind the scenes this whole thing? Charlie and President Trump had a really special relationship. It was one that some people would understand, others wouldn't. At sometimes it was fatherly son, but at other times it was this mutual deep respect of being being able to build in a way where Trump understood building in Manhattan and building, you know, across the country and across the world architecturally. And he also Charlie understood building with Turning Point USA and and his ability to see things that other people couldn't really see, especially in other people. But what Charlie really appreciated about President Trump is that no matter what anyone says about him, he is so mission focused. He's so laser focused. And Charlie was the same way. and he admired so much the president's tenacity to keep going, especially after January 6 when no one wanted anything to do with him. And Charlie said, "I got your back." And he meant it. And and moments like that really put into perspective the human aspect of politics. You can go down the rabbit hole of slandering someone and but at the end of the day when it's all said and done, the most important thing is that you realize that we're all just doing our best here with our one life that we have. And and the president was so good to Charlie from the standpoint of he didn't look down to Charlie. He appreciated his ability to be able to mobilize the youth but also to share the message of how amazing the country we live in. Yes, we have faults. Anything with humans have faults. We're all sinful. But he appreciated that Charlie was always there for him and he was always there for Charlie. And the president has always had a very soft spot in my heart because I got to witness that he wasn't just the president to my husband. He was a friend and I'll never forget that. >> Yeah. >> And JD and Usha have been incredibly supportive. It's been really nice to see >> and and I look forward to you guys throwing the full weight of Turning Point behind them in about three years. >> Am I being subtle? >> No, it's Don't worry, it's already, you know, it's in the works. But that was a thing that my husband was very uh direct about on it was interestingly enough one of the last few conversations we had was how intentional he was about supporting JD for 28. >> Yeah. He he was totally behind JD and he was largely responsible for Trump picking JD. >> Mhm. >> True. >> Okay. Here's another one. Charlie said on the record, "Erica is way more conservative than I am." Way more. How so? >> Well, first and foremost, um we were always very in alignment with obviously a lot of things. Um but there were certain things where we made sure that I a little in the beginning and Andrew Kovc can attest to this. It was an immigration side of things that I had a different viewpoint on and then he was like I see that point. It was a long It was a long time ago with student visa related topics and um but other than that we were in alignment with a lot of things. Um I was just a little bit more direct behind the scenes about it but [laughter] we we were always in lock step with with one another. Um but >> so people hoping for a uh turning point to go conservative light now that >> that's not happening. >> Okay. >> No, we are not turning point USA is now becoming feminized. Let me tell you that that is not going to happen. >> Awesome. >> Never. No, we are we have a great team. Um we have, you know, a phenomenal group of people that are that's the that's you know that's what's so amazing too about Turning Point is that after all this happened, we didn't have a mass firing. We didn't have mass exodus. We didn't have any issues internally. Everyone we grieved. But we were able to pull off an unbelievable memorial service. It >> was incredible. >> And but that just is a testament to the team. I mean, that's not normal. Um that is that is the Holy Spirit moving within the organization. And now more than ever, I see the strength of the organization because people aren't just there to write emails. And that's why the age of the individuals that work at the office. Everyone's so young. Charlie didn't care if you went to college. He actually preferred that you didn't and he'd hire you right out of high school. But the organization itself is so healthy and the culture is so healthy and our chapters and the students and the field program and the Charlie Kirk show and the events team and everyone that is a part of the organization goes back to that tapestry of yeah there's a bunch of threads but woven together the organization is phenomenal. So, no, we are not weakening at all. We are not becoming feminized at all. If anything, we're being more emboldened and we will carry on my husband's legacy in a way that no one could even have imagined. And we'll make it everything he could have ever dreamed of and more. Amen. Amen. God bless you. God bless your children. God bless Turning Point USA. And you let all of us know if you need anything. >> Prayers. Prayers would mean everything. >> You got it. wisdom and discernment and protection. Um, and just pray for our country. Pray for our our leaders. Pray for people that you don't agree with. Um, you don't have to like them, but just pray for them. Um, pray that the Lord softens their heart. Pray that the Lord has his will be done and justice always prevails. And just pray that um, >> we're on it. >> We love you. >> I love you. >> Don't we love Erica? [cheering] >> Thank you. Don't forget to buy the book, Stop in the Name of God. You can get it now. Thank you. Thank you so much. I love [applause] you. [cheering] [music]