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Topics: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump, News, US News
Madison Burgess
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump, News, US News
It's been revealed that Charlie Kirk's father had a little-known link to none other than Donald Trump himself.
Now, it's no secret that 31-year-old Kirk was a huge fan of the US president and Republican party, but it turns out the connection actually goes back another generation.
The Kirk family were actually tied to Trump, years before the podcaster became famous for his right-wing political views and became publicly allied to the president.
But before we get into that, a reminder for those who aren't up to speed - Kirk was shot dead on 10 September while speaking to a crowd at a university event in Utah.
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Just two days later, authorities confirmed they had arrested a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who has since been charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder.
And on Sunday (21 September), the world watched on as thousands of Americans turned up to State Farm Stadium in Arizona for a high-profile memorial service, attended by Trump, JD Vance, and other political figures.
Trump said during his tribute: "He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom.
"I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history."
But, what most people didn't know, is that Kirk's father, Robert W. Kirk, was an architect who helped design Trump Tower - the US president's New York City skyscraper.
Trump Tower, which was built in 1984 and was once the tallest all-glass structure in New York City, houses 263 residences as well as a shopping space and several restaurants and bars.
According to PrimeTimer, Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University Oregon in 1976 and the last decades of his career have included senior roles in architectural firms.
But a standout highlight of his career was his reported role as a project architect manager on Trump Tower, creating a link between the families way before his son got involved in politics.
The publication reported that other notable work of Robert's included the Tropicana Hotel and Casino, located in Atlantic City.
Eventually, Robert allegedly became the General Manager of Operations and Chief Design Architect for his own firm.
Meanwhile, Kirk's mother Kathryn was a trader at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and later worked as a mental health counsellor, reports the Independent.
They both stayed out of the spotlight while their son was rapidly rising to fame.
Kirk also left behind his wife Erika, who he tied the knot with in 2021, and their two young children - a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024.
During his funeral, Erika, who has been appointed Turning Point USA's new CEO, said in the midst of her grief, she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets.
She also said she 'forgives' the man who is charged with killing him.
"My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," Erika said. "I forgive him."