In today’s newsletter: Donald Trump and other Republican leaders rallied for religious conservatism during a memorial service for Charlie Kirk. The White House is on a winning streak at the Supreme Court. And as housing costs grow, so are the number of Americans living in RVs.
Here’s what to know today.
Charlie Kirk’s memorial served as a conservative ‘revival’
Some called for forgiveness and unity at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service. Others called for combat and retribution. But the common thread in each speech was that the activist’s assassination should be the start of a revival for religious conservatives.
As Republicans spoke about Kirk’s legacy, they galvanized a crowd of thousands, making renewed arguments for American conservatism with Christianity, marriage, having children and open debate at the core.
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Almost all the speakers leaned into deeply religious themes, canonizing Kirk and reflecting on his dedication as a Christian. Vice President JD Vance described the Turning Point USA co-founder as a “hero” and a “martyr for the Christian faith.”
Vance and other leaders also invoked the notion of a revival. “Charlie started a political movement but unleashed a spiritual revival,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Erika Kirk delivered one of the most emotional moments of the night, telling the packed stadium she forgave the gunman who killed her husband. She was embraced on stage by President Donald Trump, who closed the evening by reflecting on Kirk’s dedication to the conservative cause.
Trump’s speech was more political than others, as he took to discussing his policy initiatives and decrying “radical-left lunatics.” He called Kirk a “missionary” who “did not hate his opponents.”
“He wanted the best for them,” Trump said. “That’s where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponents, and I don’t want the best for them.”
