Trump Discusses Charlie Kirk's Killer, Erika Kirk's Grief, Congo Violence, and the New Ballroom
Enjoying this? Share it with someone who needs to see it.
Up Next
South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace Moves to Censure Ilhan Omar Following Charlie Kirk Assassination Remarks
3:59
Brilyn Hollyhand Remembers Charlie Kirk: The Mentor Who Never Stopped Fighting for America
4:31
FBI Investigates Leftwing Organizations in Charlie Kirk Assassination Attempt and Radicalization Concerns
1:03
Trump Discusses Charlie Kirk's Killer, Erika Kirk's Grief, Congo Violence, and the New Ballroom
Fielding questions from reporters roughly 24 hours after Charlie Kirk's assassination, Trump says he isn't worried about his own safety but is concerned for the country, calling out what he describes as a radical left group of lunatics. He says he wants Kirk's supporters to respond with the same nonviolence Kirk advocated for, and describes a long, emotional phone call with Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, saying she is devastated. Pressed on why the shooter hasn't been caught, Trump says progress is being made and calls the suspect "an animal," while also criticizing media coverage he says has justified the killing. The conversation shifts through a run of foreign policy topics: upcoming visits from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, ongoing violence in eastern Congo tied to ISIS-affiliated groups, ties with Kazakhstan and Central Asia, a Russian drone incursion into Poland, his reaction to Jair Bolsonaro's conviction in Brazil, and how Israel's strike in Doha might affect hostage negotiations. He closes by pointing out trucks working on the new White House ballroom, a project he says has been sought for about 150 years.
Asked whether he's concerned for his own safety, Trump says not really, adding that he's concerned for the country instead, describing a "radical left group of lunatics" that he says the administration is going to get under control. Asked why the shooter hasn't been found roughly 24 hours after the shooting, Trump says he's hearing that big progress is being made, adding that he has some indication of the shooter's motivation but will share it later. He calls the suspect "an animal, total animal," and says what he did was disgraceful, adding that Charlie Kirk was "a great person, a great man, great in every way, especially with youth," and that he hopes the shooter will be caught and "dealt with very appropriately."
A Call for Nonviolence and Comforting Erika Kirk
Asked how he wants Kirk's supporters to respond, given that Kirk was a strong advocate for nonviolence and free speech on campus, Trump says that's exactly how he'd like people to respond: with nonviolence. He also describes speaking directly with Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, saying they had a long conversation and that she is, in his words, absolutely devastated. Asked about media coverage he sees as justifying the killing, Trump calls it terrible and says those responsible "are going to be ashamed of themselves."
Congo, Rwanda, and Central Asia on the Diplomatic Agenda
Trump confirms that the presidents of Congo, Felix, and of Rwanda will be visiting soon, noting he had already met with their foreign ministers a couple of weeks earlier. Asked about more than 60 people reportedly killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week amid violence linked to ISIS-affiliated groups taking advantage of an ongoing war, Trump says the administration is in talks with those involved, describing the conflict as very violent for 30 to 35 years, and says, "we're going to handle it." On a separate question about Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries ahead of the UN General Assembly, Trump confirms he'll be meeting with those leaders, calling them very good people.
Russia's Drone Incursion Into Poland
Asked for his reaction to a Russian drone incursion into Poland, Trump says it could have been a mistake, but adds that regardless of the explanation, he isn't happy about anything related to the situation and hopes it comes to an end.
Reacting to Bolsonaro's Conviction in Brazil
Asked whether he's considering further sanctions on Brazil after former President Jair Bolsonaro was found guilty by the country's Supreme Court, Trump says he watched the trial and knows Bolsonaro fairly well, calling him a good president of Brazil and expressing surprise at the outcome. He compares it to what he describes as a similar attempt made against him, adding, "they didn't get away with it at all."
Israel's Strike in Doha and the Hostage Deal
Asked by a reporter from Israel's Channel 14 how Israel's strike in Doha might affect ongoing hostage negotiations, Trump says he hopes it won't affect the deal at all, adding that the priority is getting the hostages back.
A New White House Ballroom
Closing out the exchange, Trump points to construction trucks on the grounds, noting that work has just begun on a new White House ballroom, something he says has been sought for roughly 150 years. He describes it as set to be an absolutely magnificent structure, calling it likely one of the best of its kind anywhere in the world once finished.
