Karoline Leavitt Says Erika Kirk Showed ‘One of the Greatest Acts of Grace This World Has Ever Seen’
The nation continues to reflect on the stunning emotional power of Charlie Kirk’s memorial service — a solemn event that saw over 100,000 Americans gather inside State Farm Stadium and many more outside, united in grief and hope. But no moment moved the nation more than Erika Kirk’s decision to publicly forgive her husband’s assassin — a moment the White House is calling “one of the greatest acts of grace this world has ever seen.”
Speaking during Monday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Erika Kirk’s emotional display of mercy and rebuked Democrats who chose politics over unity.
“Mercy in the Face of Evil”
“All across the country, millions of Americans have prayed, hosted vigils, attended church services, became politically engaged for the first time, and honored the legacy of Charlie and the ideals he died speaking for,” Leavitt said. “And Erika Kirk’s mercy was one of the greatest acts of grace this world has ever seen. May God continue to watch over Erika and their beautiful children.”
Leavitt’s remarks came just one day after the widow of Turning Point USA’s founder delivered an unforgettable eulogy, stating, “He wanted to save young men. Just like the one who took his life … I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And what Charlie would do.”
A Service That Shook the Nation
President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Elon Musk, and a host of conservative leaders packed the NFL stadium to remember the man Trump called “one of America’s greatest patriots.” Outside, tens of thousands stood in blistering heat, some having lined up before sunrise just to be part of the moment.
The crowd stood and wept as Erika Kirk invoked faith, forgiveness, and Charlie’s lifelong mission to restore lost young men — a mission that will now live on through his widow and through a movement he helped ignite.
Democrats Reject Unity, Smear the Dead
Leavitt also issued a blistering condemnation of Democrats who refused to support a House resolution honoring Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy. The resolution passed 310–58, with 38 voting “present” and dozens of Democrats taking to the floor to malign Kirk — before his body had even been laid to rest.
“A number of those same Democrats took to the House floor to smear Charlie Kirk’s name,” Leavitt said. “The man wasn’t even buried yet, and Democrat members of Congress were denigrating his memory on the floor of the House of Representatives. This was truly a sad moment, and a clear reflection of how radical the Democrat Party has become.”
Leavitt’s comments echo the outrage many conservatives have expressed over the conduct of progressive lawmakers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who referred to Kirk as a “Confederate relic” and refused to honor him in death.
Legacy of a Martyr
President Trump said it best from the memorial stage: “The bullet was aimed at Charlie, but it hit all of us.” Yet in the face of loss, Americans witnessed a miracle — a widow offering mercy, a nation standing united, and a movement emboldened to carry on the fight for liberty.
As Erika Kirk said through tears, “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer is love. Love for our enemies. And love for those who persecute us.”
That message will not be forgotten.