The Matt Walsh Show

Episode: America Will Never Be The Same After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Matt Walsh, The Daily Wire

Overview

This special episode departs from the usual format as Matt Walsh delivers a heartfelt, personal response to the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Walsh reflects on Kirk’s character, legacy, the implications for America, and the future of conservative activism following this violent act. He channels grief, anger, and resolve, rejecting calls for unity and instead rallying listeners to continue the “fight” that Kirk embodied.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflections and Personal Grief

• Walsh opens with deep sorrow, anger, and shock at Kirk’s assassination. He refrains from commenting on unconfirmed breaking news, focusing instead on Kirk’s legacy.
• [00:00] “[...] I am devastated, heartbroken, and very, very angry. And I'll try to talk through some of that today.” — Matt Walsh

2. Charlie Kirk’s Character and Impact

• Generosity and Humility: Walsh recounts personal backstage moments, highlighting Kirk’s tendency to deflect praise and uplift others.
  • [01:30] “Charlie’s desire to give other people credit, to point to and praise and lift up other people rather than himself, is one of the most profound testaments to his character.”
• Unique Talent: Kirk is described as both a charismatic communicator and an unparalleled organizer—“a one of a kind talent.”
• Presidential Potential: Walsh and “tens of millions” saw Kirk as destined for the presidency.
• Bravery and Faith: Kirk consistently debated opponents anywhere, rooted in a deep Christian faith. Walsh references Isaiah 41:10 as emblematic of Kirk’s courage.

3. Patriotism and Family

• Kirk is mourned not only for his leadership but as a devoted husband and father, with his family life visible to all who knew him, even from afar.
  • [06:50] “It came across in everything he said and did. This was clearly a man who cherished his family, would have died to make a better world for them, and did.”

4. The Assassination: Meaning and Aftermath

• Walsh reflects on seeing Kirk die onstage, killed during a civil debate, “all that he ever did.”
• Expresses a longstanding fear — “that eventually they would start killing us" — but is stunned it was Kirk, whom he considered the “nicest, most generous and charitable of us."
  • [09:40] “They killed him...because he was too effective. He was...too widely beloved, especially among the younger generations. So they killed him.”

5. Media, Political Violence, and Blame

• Walsh condemns media figures and politicians for previously “stoking murderous hatred” and, in his view, only now calling for calm. He accuses the left of creating a climate of violence, spanning from Antifa/BLM to social media and Congress itself.
  • [12:00] “Charlie tried to have conversations with you on the left and you killed him for it...You have been openly cheering for and celebrating and encouraging and committing political violence for years.”

6. Reaction to the Celebration of Kirk’s Death

• Walsh is “disgusted” by those mocking Kirk’s death but views even the malice of enemies as a testament to the impact of Kirk’s life.
  • [15:05] “May we all be so successful and productive that our enemies celebrate when we die. May we all be so devastating to the leftist project that they long for our demise.”

7. Martyrdom and Resolve

• Argues Kirk is now “more powerful” as a martyr, inspiring the movement to “fight harder.”
  • [18:10] “The only thing more powerful than a living fighter is a martyred one.”

8. Refusal to Back Down

• Explicitly rejects backing down or going silent in the wake of threats and violence. Notes that conservative public figures, including himself, Ben Shapiro, and others, are now being openly threatened.
  • [20:03] “I’m not going to back down. I’m not going to hide. None of us will. None of us. Because if we back down, then the demons who killed Charlie will win. And they cannot win. They will not win.”

9. Legacy and The Path Forward

• Closes by reaffirming Kirk’s legacy, recalling Kirk’s prophetic final social media post:
  • [24:30] “A day before his death, Charlie posted a picture of Irina, the young woman who was killed on the light rail in Charlotte. And he added a short caption. America will never be the same.”
• Walsh interprets this as a sign that, due to Kirk’s example, America can eventually be better—but insists the fight must go on:
  • [25:20] “America will ultimately be a better place. But there’s a lot more to be done in the meantime. The fight continues. You finished your race, Charlie. You fought the good fight. You kept the faith. And now we’ll take it from here.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Charlie’s Influence:

  • “He was a builder, he was an organizer, he was a fighter, which is a rare combination in this movement.” — [02:40]
  • “Everyone who knew him...could tell that he was destined to be the President of the United States one day.” — [03:10]

• On Political Violence and Media:

  • “You're killing us in our churches. You tried to kill our President. You killed one of our greatest advocates in Charlie Kirk.” — [11:00]
  • “Even in Congress...Democrats jeered and heckled in Congress. This is who they are. Not on the fringes. In the main.” — [14:05]

• On Martyrdom:

  • “Let them dance on my grave as they dance on Charlie's. Then I will know that I did my duty.” — [16:45]
  • “The only thing more powerful than a living fighter is a martyred one.” — [18:10]

• On Resolve:

  • “We will not back down after this. We will not shrink away or go into hiding. We will not fall silent.” — [19:50]
  • “You can kill a man...but you cannot kill a cause. Especially when that cause is nothing else but love of God, love of country, love of family. That cause is truth. You can't kill the truth.” — [21:05]

• Closing Tribute:

  • “You finished your race, Charlie. You fought the good fight. You kept the faith. And now we'll take it from here.” — [25:30]

Structure of the Episode

1. Opening Remarks and Tone Setting [00:00]
2. Personal Memories and Tribute to Kirk’s Character [01:15–06:50]
3. Kirk's Impact on Politics and Society [07:00–09:40]
4. Anger and Critique of Political Violence [10:00–15:00]
5. Response to Left-Wing Celebrations and Congressional Reactions [14:05–16:00]
6. On Being a Target and Resolving Not to Step Back [16:45–21:05]
7. Kirk’s Final Legacy and Motivational Call to Continue the “Fight” [24:30–End]
8. Closing Words and Farewell to Charlie Kirk [25:30]

Tone and Style

Walsh’s delivery is raw, emotional, and confrontational. He frequently weaves together personal anecdotes, religious references, and political commentary to create a tone of both mourning and militant resolve. He is unapologetic about his anger and transparent in his lack of interest in reconciliation or a “Kumbaya message.”

For Listeners

This episode serves as a eulogy for Charlie Kirk, a critique of what Walsh perceives as leftist-promoted political violence, and a rallying cry for conservative action and courage in the face of tragedy. It's recommended for listeners seeking insight into the conservative response to Kirk’s assassination, as well as those interested in understanding how such events are interpreted within the movement’s own media ecosystem.