Shock and Skepticism: Was Trump’s Tribute to Charlie Kirk AI-Generated?
The brutal murder of Charlie Kirk has everyone reeling—it’s one of those tragedies that just stops you cold. Late Thursday, his body was brought back to Arizona on Air Force Two, with his family and Vice President JD Vance right there beside him. By Friday, the cops had nabbed the alleged shooter, a 22-year-old named Tyler Robertson.
Not long after the news broke, President Donald Trump put out a video straight from the Oval Office, pouring out his thoughts on the whole nightmare. But man, the backlash hit fast. Folks all over social media are buzzing that it wasn’t even the real Trump—just some slick AI deepfake.
For those who missed it, conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk got gunned down at an event on the Utah Valley University campus Wednesday. His remains flew home to Arizona on Air Force Two that Thursday night, with VP Vance stepping up to support the family. It was Trump who first let the world know Kirk had passed, delivering that somber message from behind the Resolute Desk.
In the video, he said, “To my great fellow Americans, I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror.”
He went on, painting Kirk as this ultimate patriot: “Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America. He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He’s a martyr for truth and freedom, and there’s never been anyone who was so respected by youth.”
Trump didn’t stop there—he touched on Kirk’s faith, too: “Charlie was also a man of deep, deep faith, and we take comfort in the knowledge that he is now at peace with God in heaven. Our prayers are with his wife, Erika, their two young beloved children, and his entire family, who he loved more than anything in the world. We ask God to watch over them in this terrible hour of heartache and pain.”
He wrapped it up with a vow to hunt down anyone involved: “We would find each and everyone who has been involved, including the organizations that fund it and support it.” And then, that poignant closer: “Today, because of this heinous act, Charlie’s