At Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, President Donald Trump praised the slain conservative activist for uniting the MAGA movement and for his approach to debate—but also drew a sharp contrast between them. Trump told mourners he disagreed with Kirk’s willingness to wish his political opponents well, recounting a story in which Kirk said he wanted to “lead them into the great way of life in our country.”

“That's where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said. “I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them.” Trump added that perhaps Kirk’s widow, Erika, could persuade him otherwise, but insisted, “Right now I can’t stand my opponent.”

The remarks underscored both Trump’s admiration for Kirk’s influence and his own refusal to temper hostility toward political rivals.

President Trump at Charlie Kirk Memorial Service: "He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry Erika."