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President Donald Trump defended his latest efforts to crack down on far-left extremism following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on “The Story” Thursday.
A week after Kirk’s assassination, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that he would designate the radical left-wing, anti-fascist antifa group as a “terrorist organization.”
“It should have been done a long time ago,” Trump told Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum.
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s assassination, has been charged with aggravated murder and six other felonies by Utah prosecutors. His mother said Robinson had “become more political,” leaning left and supporting “pro-gay and trans rights,” according to court documents.
While the Supreme Court ruled flag burning is protected by the First Amendment, the Trump administration will argue to courts that the act fuels “incitement of riots,” the president explained.
“Antifa causes tremendous incitement, and the things they say and the things they do are horrible,” Trump argued.
While Trump maintained he has always been in favor of free speech, he criticized “crazy” reactions to Kirk’s assassination.
“I see people saying things – they’re crazy,” Trump argued. “Maybe they’re drugged out, maybe they’re some other problem.”
The commander-in-chief praised Kirk’s “incredible” following, revealing he had told the late Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder he had a “good chance” of being president one day.
“He was very compelling,” Trump reflected. “I’ve never seen anybody capture a group of people like he captured youth.”
TPUSA unanimously elected Kirk’s widow Erika to lead the organization as its new CEO.
“No one will ever forget my husband’s name and I will make sure of it,” Erika vowed. “My husband’s mission will not end, not even for a moment.”
Erika, Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance are expected to deliver remarks at Kirk’s memorial in Arizona Sunday.
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