The Megyn Kelly Show: Charlie Kirk's Incredibly Moving Memorial, the Power of Forgiveness, and Van Jones' Smear — with Michael Knowles | Ep. 1154

Air Date: September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Megyn Kelly returns after attending the enormous and historic memorial for Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his life, legacy, and the power of forgiveness displayed by his widow, Erica Kirk. She is joined by Michael Knowles to discuss the profound moments of the event, controversies about media coverage, and the current state of political violence in America. They also analyze public reactions, including Van Jones’ remarks, and contrast responses from both the right and left.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and the Monumental Memorial

[00:00 – 11:44]

• Unprecedented Attendance: Over 200,000 people traveled to Arizona to honor Charlie Kirk, with the stadium filled and overflow crowds outside. Major political figures attended, including President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Elon Musk.
• Charlie’s Achievements: Praised for founding Turning Point USA from nothing at age 18 and remarkable accomplishments by age 31, fueled by determination, faith, and an unwavering mission to improve the country.
• Personal Reminiscence: Megyn shares the overwhelming sense of unity and collective grief at the memorial, noting people from all walks of life coming together, many making sacrifices to pay tribute.

“It was much more than a memorial. It was a gathering of faith and reconnection with God and each other.”
— Megyn Kelly [07:45]

2. Emotional Power and Faith at the Memorial

[09:20 – 17:52]

• Michael Knowles' Experience: Describes the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere, with people camping out overnight just to attend.
• Structure of the Memorial: Segmented into personal remembrances and speeches by administration officials, which the mainstream media largely ignored, instead focusing on political aspects.
• Media Misrepresentation: Both Megyn and Michael argue that coverage overlooked the deeply moving and faith-driven elements of the event.

3. The Challenge and Meaning of Forgiveness

[13:38 – 17:52]

• President Trump’s Speech: Trump’s candid admission that he struggles to love his enemies sparked controversy, yet Knowles argues this illustrates humility and underscores Christian ideals.

“He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them. … Maybe Erica can talk to me and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that’s not right. But I can’t stand my opponents.”
— President Trump (quoted by Megyn Kelly) [13:42]

• Erica Kirk’s Moment of Forgiveness: Erica’s decision, just 11 days after her husband’s murder, to publicly forgive his killer stunned and deeply moved attendees.

“That young man, that young man… I forgive him.”
— Erica Kirk [25:37]

4. Charlie Kirk’s Mission—Redemption for Lost Boys

[20:18 – 23:21]

• Erica Kirk’s Message: She explained that Charlie devoted his life to reaching out to aimless young men—those “consumed with resentment, anger, and hate”—and offering them hope and community.
• Intent to Save: Emphasized that Charlie was motivated to save those most likely to become his enemies, even those like his assassin, Tyler Robinson.

“Charlie wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life.”
— Erica Kirk [20:18]

• Contrast with Left-Wing Violence: Knowles stresses that while the left justifies and excites violence, Charlie modeled civil dialogue and worked to uplift even those who opposed him.

5. The Political Message: Forgiveness Versus Justice

[26:09 – 30:49]

• Forgiveness and Justice: Discussion about how personal forgiveness can coexist with societal justice, including capital punishment if appropriate, grounded in faith.

“There is no contradiction between these things. … We can personally forgive people, and we can also will the best for these people, up to and including capital punishment.”
— Michael Knowles [17:01]

• Christian Marriage and Partnership: Erica described her and Charlie's loving, mutually supportive marriage as a living example of Christian values.

6. Media Response—Distortions, Smears, and the ‘Rage Fest’ Accusation

[34:31 – 41:16]

• Mislabeling the Memorial: Left-wing outlets like Huffington Post describe the event as a “rage fest,” focusing on select speeches and ignoring the outpouring of love and faith.
• Stephen Miller’s Speech: While described as “particularly vile” by critics, Megyn and Michael argue it was a powerful, righteous call to persevere against evil.

“Defeat the dark. We will prevail over the forces of wickedness and evil. They cannot imagine what they have awakened. … You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal.”
— Stephen Miller [35:49]

• Personal Attacks and Lies: The hosts criticize left-leaning pundits for celebrating Charlie’s death, misrepresenting his legacy, and endangering public discourse.

7. Political Violence and Blame-Shifting

[41:16 – 50:19]

• Denial and Projection: Hosts assert the left refuses to take responsibility for political violence, instead blaming the right, often with selective or dishonest use of data.
• Call for Order: Knowles maintains that demanding order and consequences for violence is not “scorched earth” politics but necessary for freedom and civil society.

“We need to be able to have a society that advances the common good. … If people keep coming in and shooting up the marketplace, [we can’t have] a marketplace of ideas.”
— Michael Knowles [45:21]

8. The Division and Futility of Dialogue with Mainstream Media

[50:19 – End]

• Media’s Role Creating a Toxic Environment: Megyn argues the left-wing media fuels hatred and violence through dishonest and inflammatory coverage, making good faith engagement impossible.
• Critique of Left-Leaning Commentators: Segments featuring the likes of Van Jones, Karen Attia, and Matthew Dowd highlight what Megyn perceives as hypocrisy, self-centeredness, and refusal to accept responsibility.
• Van Jones’ “Smear”: Megyn calls out Van Jones for previously accusing Charlie of racism (unjustly, she argues), then attempting to recast himself as a voice of dialogue and healing without acknowledging or retracting his own role in ginning up hate.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

The Memorial’s Emotional Climax

"That man, that young man... I forgive him."
— Erica Kirk (Charlie Kirk’s widow) [25:37]

On Christian Forgiveness

"Loving your enemies is not some happy clappy talk. It's to will the good of that person... To forgive them is to say, look, vengeance belongs to the Lord and he will repay..."
— Michael Knowles [14:19]

On Political Violence

"The left has manifestly learned no lesson on political violence, still seeks the targeting of its political opponents. And we have to accept that fact..."
— Michael Knowles [42:31]

On Media’s Responsibility

"If we didn’t have a media that was constantly telling us that they both are fascists, that they both are Nazis. How divisive they both are... Would Charlie have lived? Would Trump not have gotten shot?”
— Megyn Kelly [46:30]

On Van Jones

"You are pouring fuel into a cauldron of hate that has now gotten one of ours killed..."
— Megyn Kelly [90:17]

On the Path Forward

"There's not going to be a Kumbaya moment until you can prove to us that you are honest and we can deal with you. ... We are going to be singularly focused on defeating you."
— Megyn Kelly [104:40]

Notable Segment Timestamps

• Opening Reflection on Charlie Kirk and the Memorial: [00:00 – 09:20]
• Michael Knowles’ Experience & Erica Kirk’s Speech: [09:20 – 17:52]
• Erica’s Forgiveness—The Power and Politics of Redemption: [20:18 – 27:56]
• Media Response and Political Violence Street Fight: [34:31 – 50:19]
• Scorched Earth or Dialogue? The Right’s Internal Debate: [43:30 – 45:21]
• Van Jones’ Smear and Megyn Kelly’s Response: [85:42 – 102:56]
• Conclusion on Media, Violence, and the Way Forward: [102:56 – End]

Tone & Language

The episode is candid, emotional, and combative, blending stories of faith, grief, and forgiveness with sharp political critique. The hosts are unapologetically partisan, using strong language—expressing anger at perceived hypocrisy and dishonesty from the political left, while still aiming to uphold ideals of charity and truth.

Takeaway for Non-Listeners

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death, both on a personal and societal level, as seen through the lens of Megyn Kelly and Michael Knowles. It explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and the perils of political and media discourse in modern America. The resounding message is one of drawing strength and unity from shared values—while refusing to back down in the face of dishonesty or violence. The tributes to Charlie Kirk, and controversy over how the media and political opponents responded, serve as a microcosm for the broader cultural and ideological battles unfolding in the U.S.