Bannon’s War Room, Episode 4770
"Charlie Kirk: The America First Martyr"
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Steve Bannon
Notable Guests: Andrew Colvett, Tyler Bowyer, Jack Posobec, Dave Brat
Overview
This special episode—broadcast on the 24th anniversary of 9/11—serves as both a solemn remembrance of the attacks and a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated the previous day. The episode weaves together the day’s memorial ceremonies, heartfelt recollections of Charlie Kirk’s life and work, discussions on his impact on conservatism, and commentary on the investigation into his death. The tone is deeply emotional, reverent, and determined; it calls listeners to both mourn and continue Kirk’s mission.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. September 11th Memorial and National Reflection
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The show opens with tributes to 9/11 victims, first responders, and military personnel, emphasizing the importance of memory and unity.
"History is the heart and soul of our lives. We must protect it and never forget it. God bless America." (01:31, Andrew Colvett)
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President Trump speaks at The Pentagon, honoring acts of 9/11 heroism and sacrifice, and transitions to a reflection on national resolve and future generations.
"We will crush you without mercy and we will triumph without question...We will defend the nation they serve, the values they upheld and the freedom for which they died." (04:05, President Trump)
2. Charlie Kirk’s Death: Shock, Mourning, and the Institution He Built
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The assassination of Charlie Kirk is processed live, with colleagues expressing raw grief and recounting their immediate reactions.
"It's still raw...we're gonna take his spirit on and keep fighting and keep pushing." (13:11, Andrew Colvett)
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Kirk is remembered as a “happy warrior” and as the architect of Turning Point USA’s enduring institution.
"He was building an institution that's going to live beyond me...He is irreplaceable and one of one, but I know that's what he'd want." (15:18, Andrew Colvett)
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Vigils and nationwide outpourings of support highlight the broad impact Kirk had across generations and communities.
"Spontaneous, self-organizing, and as Charlie would love. That was his whole thing." (15:11, Steve Bannon)
3. Presidential Recognition & Legacy
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President Trump, live from the Pentagon memorial, posthumously announces the awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk.
"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions...I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom." (18:13, President Trump)
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Colleagues reflect on Kirk’s relationship with Trump and his unwavering loyalty and character.
"Charlie was loyal to a fault. He was fundamentally good and decent." (19:24, Andrew Colvett)
4. Charlie Kirk as ‘Happy Warrior’ and Mentor
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Repeated references to Kirk’s optimism, resilience, and ability to uplift his team, even amidst immense pressure.
"He was never down, totally up, no matter what the circumstances was. He’d always say, 'We’ll figure it out.'" (21:22, Steve Bannon)
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Personal anecdotes highlight Kirk’s humor, generosity, and consideration for others, even when under extreme personal and professional demands.
"He thought about me and my family more than I thought about me." (23:00, Andrew Colvett)
5. Building a Youth Movement & Political Transformation
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In-depth discussion on Turning Point USA’s role in reshaping youth engagement in politics, particularly through ballot-chasing and grassroots organizing, key to Trump’s 2024 victory.
"There is a poll...it was 16 or 17 million young people were more likely to vote for Trump across the country because of the content Charlie Kirk made on these college campuses." (31:10, Andrew Colvett)
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The institution was deliberately constructed to outlast its founder, focused on creating generational, not just electoral, change.
6. Spirituality, Faith & The Focus on Young Men
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Kirk’s deep Christian faith and his mission to revive faith and strong families among America’s youth are repeatedly underscored.
"He wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America's youth." (46:03, Andrew Colvett)
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Kirk’s specific focus on young men—addressing their spiritual alienation and promoting the values of marriage, fatherhood, and purpose—was a pillar of his leadership.
"Charlie realized young men were lost...He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other." (37:20, Andrew Colvett & 46:03, Andrew Colvett)
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Anecdotes from Tyler Bowyer and Andrew Colvett affirm Kirk’s modeling of husband and father roles, and how this shaped Turning Point’s messaging and mission.
7. Courage and Martyrdom
- Both guests and host emphasize Kirk’s personal courage in the face of threats, refusing to alter his public approach or shy away from open dialogue.
"He was under threats and he would not back off. He did not. And that's what we have to understand here. We cannot back off. We can't flinch." (55:09, Steve Bannon) "In some ways, you know, he died with his boots on and with the microphone in his hand doing what he loved most to do." (56:27, Andrew Colvett)
8. Investigation & Motive
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The FBI provides an update: the weapon (a high-powered bolt action rifle) was found, with ammunition engraved with transgender and antifascist ideology.
"We have recovered what we believe is the weapon...Ammunition and Kirk shooting engraved with transgender anti-fascist ideology." (90:58–92:09, Robert Bowles, Steve Bannon)
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Jack Posobec discusses trends in recent political assassinations, security failures, and the broader climate of ideological violence.
9. Charlie Kirk’s Broader Impact: Generational Change
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Steve Bannon and Jack Posobec compare Kirk's leadership and impact to the Founding Fathers, emphasizing his youth and lasting legacy.
"You have to go back to the revolutionary generation...to see somebody at that age do it." (95:08, Steve Bannon)
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Spontaneous country-wide and global vigils, as well as remarks on Kirk’s daily Bible verse habit, reaffirm the depth and breadth of his influence.
"He is not just an American martyr, he is a Christian martyr." (100:40, Jack Posobec)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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President Trump on 9/11 and Kirk:
"If you attack the United States of America, we will hunt you down and we will find you...We will build taller, grow stronger, fight harder and soar higher." (04:05)
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On Kirk's Legacy:
"Charlie Kirk was assassinated in cold blood. Charlie Kirk was executed. We're going to get to the bottom of that, right?...But the work of Charlie Kirk, particularly...building the institution which was so powerful—he changed the arc of where young people's perception of politics..." (29:33, Steve Bannon)
"He's become America's greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored...He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference." (46:03, Andrew Colvett, reading the new Turning Point statement)
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Faith and Family:
"There's nothing better than having kids. There's nothing better than being a husband. There's nothing better than putting your family first." (44:08, Tyler Bowyer & Andrew Colvett)
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On Courage and Sacrifice:
"He loved this...format, this moment with these students...he died doing what he loved." (56:27, Andrew Colvett)
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Dave Brat on Kirk:
"My call, this is Charlie Kirk, and I hope you will all join Charlie in his call. His calling is to fight evil and to proclaim the truth." (80:13, Dave Brat)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Opening 9/11 Memorial Reflections: 00:00–03:39
- President Trump's 9/11 Address: 03:39–09:49
- First Kirk Memorial Remarks: 12:39–14:47
- Announcement of Medal of Freedom: 18:13–19:16
- Discussion of Kirk’s Leadership & Institution: 21:22–27:17
- Focus on Ballot-Chasing, 2024 & Political Impact: 31:10–36:57
- Young Men, Family, & Kirk’s Influence: 37:20–46:03
- Reading of Turning Point USA’s Statement on Kirk: 46:03–50:44
- Security Threats & Kirk's Refusal to Withdraw: 55:09–57:44
- FBI Investigation Update: 90:58–92:09
- Jack Posobec on Generational Impact: 95:08–98:39
- Vigils, Tributes & Closing Reflections: 111:21–112:31
Noteworthy Closing
The episode closes with both urgent calls to continue Kirk’s mission and remembrance of his “happy warrior” legacy. Spontaneous nationwide (and international) tributes and a repeated focus on faith and the values of the American republic round out the program:
"God, freedom, and the United States of America. Boy, he wants a revival of all three." (107:20, Dave Brat)
How to Get Involved
- Guests urge listeners to honor Kirk by becoming activists, joining Turning Point, or otherwise stepping up in their communities.
"Getting involved at Turning Point Action...We would love nothing more than for millions of Americans to march to the beat of Charlie's drum for the rest of their lives." (65:25, Tyler Bowyer)