**President Donald Trump Arrives Late and Solo to Massive Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk**
*Published: September 21, 2025, 4:25 p.m. ET*
President Donald Trump showed up late—and alone—to the massive memorial service honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, RadarOnline.com can confirm. While a large political delegation packed into State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the president’s tardiness was only overshadowed by questions surrounding the absence of his wife, Melania Trump.
### Distinguished Guests Gather to Honor Charlie Kirk
Nearly 100,000 people came together to celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk, who was brutally shot and killed while hosting a rally at a Utah college. The event drew a wide range of political figures and celebrities, underscoring Kirk’s impact on the conservative movement.
Representatives from the U.S. government included Donald Trump Jr., as well as Secretaries Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Celebrities such as Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Elon Musk were also in attendance.
Trump arrived at the stadium shortly after the memorial had begun. Photos from the event revealed he attended solo, with Melania noticeably absent.
### Questions Surround Melania Trump’s Absence
When Trump finally settled in, it was from behind a thick sheet of bulletproof glass. Some online observers commented that he appeared “sleepy” and questioned his genuine feelings about Kirk.
One Twitter user wrote:
“The memorial STARTED AT 2:00 p.m. Trump is en route to the memorial — this means THAT TRUMP IS ALMOST AN HOUR LATE TO CHARLIE KIRK’S MEMORIAL. This is beyond rude and disrespectful and a great example of the president’s TRUE COLORS and honestly HOW MUCH CHARLIE KIRK MEANS.”
Many also questioned Melania’s absence. Comments ranged from:
“Melania Trump is definitely not on the trip to Arizona. Why does she hate Charlie Kirk?”
to
“Where is Mrs. Trump? Does she not care about Charlie? Does she hate her husband?”
and
“Why is President Trump sitting alone? Where’s Melania & Barron??!”
### Trump’s Previous Tributes and Reactions to Kirk’s Death
President Trump was the first to announce Kirk’s tragic death after the commentator was gunned down on September 10 while speaking with students at a Utah university. He also broke the news of the suspect Tyler Robinson’s arrest during an appearance on Fox & Friends, stating, “I think we have him.”
The president had paid a glowing tribute to Kirk and announced plans to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Trump called the assassination “a dark moment for America” and pledged a sweeping crackdown on political violence.
In a solemn four-minute video filmed from the Oval Office and shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed that he was “filled with grief and anger.”
### Not Attending the Vigil in Washington, D.C.
Despite his many statements, Trump chose not to attend a vigil held for Kirk at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, September 14. Instead, he spent the day golfing at his Bedminster, New Jersey golf course.
He returned to the White House around 6:30 p.m., by which time a crowd had already gathered outside the vigil.
While Trump was absent, the vigil was well attended by 85 members of Congress and notable MAGA supporters, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Leavitt conveyed the president’s sentiments to the audience, saying, “I speak on behalf of the president when I say President Trump loved you, Charlie, so much.”
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President Trump’s late arrival and solo attendance at the memorial, coupled with Melania’s absence, have sparked discussions and questions about their positions and feelings regarding Charlie Kirk’s legacy.
https://radaronline.com/p/donald-trump-ridiculed-charlie-kirk-memorial-service-late-melania/