Podcast Summary: The Five – "New Trump Reaction To Charlie Kirk Assassination"
FOX News Podcasts | September 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Five centers on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the urgent manhunt for his killer, and reactions across the political spectrum – including a substantive, unscripted appearance by former President Donald Trump. The panelists reflect on Kirk’s legacy, the growing threat of political violence, media responsibility, gun control debates, and the societal rifts exacerbated by current political rhetoric. The conversation touches on generational divides, the value of civil debate, and America’s mood on the 24th anniversary of 9/11.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Breaking News Updates on the Investigation

• [00:50–03:17] The episode opens with a report from Matt Finn in Utah, detailing law enforcement’s efforts:

  • Cancelled press conference due to FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Dan Bongino’s arrival.
  • Use of technology, public help, and reward offer ($100,000) to identify the suspect.
  • Discovery of the suspected weapon – a high-powered bolt-action rifle – and the suspect’s description.

• Quote:

  “Police say the suspect appeared to be college age and blended in on campus… anything the suspect may have touched could have left behind DNA or fingerprints.”
  — Matt Finn [01:25]

2. Charlie Kirk’s Life, Legacy, and Influence

• [03:43–04:38] Katie Pavlich reflects on her personal connection to Kirk and his impact:

  • Known since 2013; admired Kirk for his early start in conservative activism.
  • Describes Kirk as deeply dedicated to reaching and uplifting young conservatives.
  • Emphasizes the widespread tributes across media and social platforms.

• Quote:

  “He touched millions of people in ways that we won’t know the full effect of for many years to come.”
  — Katie Pavlich [03:43]

3. Analysis on Political Violence and Its Causes

• [06:03–08:13] Greg Gutfeld draws parallels between sports motivation, media rhetoric, and civil discourse:

  • The assassination “gives the idea legs and wings.”
  • Claims media language contributes to incidents like Kirk’s killing.
  • Warns that “live and let live” may now mean only with physical security.

• Quote:

  “Calling people evil bigots and Nazis does put targets on their back…”
  — Greg Gutfeld [07:17]

4. President Trump’s Reaction: Live Q&A

• [08:22–13:53] President Donald Trump, in a freeform press interaction, answers questions from both FOX hosts and international reporters:
  • Expresses concern for the country, not personal safety:
    “We have a radical left, group of lunatics out there… we’re going to get that problem solved.” [08:24]
  • Urges supporters to respond in Kirk’s spirit:
    “He was an advocate of nonviolence. That’s the way I’d like to see people respond.” [08:52]
  • Describes the shooter as “an animal, total animal,” and pledges to bring him to justice.
  • Touches on international affairs (Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, Israel/Doha, Russia/Poland).

5. Media and Social Media’s Role

• [14:35–16:21] The panel discusses how media narratives affect public perception and may fuel violence:

  • Gutfeld argues mainstream and social media “brainwash” people against conservatives.
  • Pavlich notes celebrations of Kirk’s murder by some on social media, raising concerns about deep-rooted ideological divides.

• Quote:

  “It’s like this is brainwashing... through repetition of specific words.”
  — Greg Gutfeld [30:14]

6. Charlie Kirk as a Model for Civil Debate & Political Engagement

• [16:21–23:07] Harold Ford Jr. praises Kirk’s willingness for real debate:

  • Despite disagreements, commends Kirk’s pursuit of answers through respectful exchange.
  • Links Kirk’s approach to the need for problem-solving in politics, not just scoring points or inciting division.

• Quote:

  “He had a fervor and he had an energy, but he wanted that back and forth… one of the things this young man will be remembered for…”
  — Harold Ford Jr. [17:33]

• [18:40–20:44] Pavlich references Kirk's impact on young men and the conservative youth movement, as reflected in polling swings from 2023 to 2025.

7. National Mood & Generational Reflections (9/11 Anniversary)

• [22:37–23:07; 38:18–42:25] Dana Perino draws a parallel between post-9/11 societal unity and today’s fractured climate:

  • Notes the heaviness of September 11, 2025.
  • Wonders aloud if America’s greatest threats are now internal.

• Quote:

  “On September 11th of 2025… it’s extra heavy and very chilling because you think the enemy might be within…”
  — Dana Perino [21:43]

8. Debate over Heated Rhetoric & Gun Control

• [29:03–33:47] Panelists address reactions on the left, particularly media figures like Matthew Dowd, and renewed calls for gun control.

  • Gutfeld and Pavlich deride what they see as “professional left” hypocrisy and brainwashing.
  • Ford and Kilmeade call for bipartisan approaches and less inflammatory personal attacks.
  • Discussion of the need for policy improvements (e.g., bipartisan summits, immigration, education).

• Quote:

  “I wish people could see us in the commercial break and the back and forth and the camaraderie. I think it’s important at some point for the president to… bring Democrats and Republicans together…”
  — Harold Ford Jr. [33:07]

9. America’s Generational Challenges and Hope

• [36:43–42:25] The conversation closes with reflections on American decline, generational pessimism, and enduring resilience, referencing recent statistics on education and Kirk’s advocacy for family and faith.

Notable Quotes & Standout Moments (with Timestamps)

• “This person is a coward. This person is a loser… He didn’t have the courage to use words to fight Charlie Kirk.”
  — Katie Pavlich [04:23]

• “If you want to kill an idea, the worst thing you could do is kill the guy behind it because it gives the idea legs and wings and millions of resilient voices…”
  — Greg Gutfeld [06:25]

• Trump: “He was an advocate of nonviolence. That’s the way I’d like to see people respond.”
  [08:52]

• “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. That’s when civil war happens…”
  — Greg Gutfeld [14:41]

• “I hope Democrat, Republican alike are able to learn something from [Charlie Kirk’s legacy].”
  — Harold Ford Jr. [17:59]

• “Every generation deals with something horrific. Evil persists, but so do we. And we are going to win.”
  — Katie Pavlich [42:20]

Important Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:50–03:17]: Investigation updates from Utah, details on manhunt and evidence
• [03:43–05:50]: Katie Pavlich on Kirk’s life and meaning to the conservative movement
• [06:03–08:13]: Gutfeld comments on media influence and political violence
• [08:22–13:53]: Full segment with President Trump answering questions about Kirk’s assassination and broader national/international issues
• [14:35–16:21]: Discussion on the connection between civil debate and preventing violence
• [18:40–20:44]: Kirk’s influence on youth and changing political demographics
• [21:43–23:07]: Reflections on the 9/11 anniversary and America’s current vulnerabilities
• [29:03–33:47]: On left-wing media, gun control, and the nature of today’s political rhetoric
• [38:18–42:25]: Generational outlook, teaching 9/11 history, resilience themes

Memorable & Emotional Closings

• Charlie Kirk’s Purpose & Positivity:

  “Charlie Kirk believed in strangers and friends more than they believed in themselves and encouraged them to live a life of purpose…”
  — Katie Pavlich [46:17]

• Brian Kilmeade:

  “We’re better when we come together.” [46:37]

Episode Tone & Panel Dynamics

The tone was somber, urgent, and deeply reflective, dominated by shock at the assassination but also by a heartfelt appreciation for Kirk’s role in fostering debate. The panel often disagreed sharply on the roots of violence and responsibility, but all acknowledged a crisis in American civic culture of dialogue versus demonization.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is an in-depth, emotionally charged discussion following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. It’s essential listening for understanding the crosscurrents of grief, blame, and calls for unity that mark American political life in 2025. Key moments include President Trump’s unscripted reaction, the panel’s differing diagnoses of the national mood, and repeated tributes to the loss of a young conservative leader whose mission was, above all, promoting debate over violence. The episode closes with reflections on the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and the enduring need for resilience, togetherness, and hope.