Megyn Kelly Turning Point Event Sparks Heated Debate Over Trump and Charlie Kirk’s Killing

Megyn Kelly faced a tense moment at a Turning Point USA campus event at Virginia Tech on September 24, 2025. The former Fox News anchor engaged in a heated exchange with a student who questioned her support of former President Donald Trump after the killing of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk earlier this month. The confrontation came as Kelly joined the “American Comeback Tour,” an event series honoring Kirk’s legacy and promoting open dialogue among young conservatives.

The exchange gained attention after an ABC News livestream showed the student linking Trump’s rhetoric to political violence. Kelly rejected the claim, calling it false and “defamatory,” while defending Trump’s remarks at Kirk’s memorial.

Megyn Kelly Defends Trump at Turning Point USA

During the event at Virginia Tech’s Burruss Hall, Kelly invited students to ask questions. A young attendee accused Trump of fueling the “political atmosphere” that led to Kirk’s death. He referenced a Department of Justice study stating that far-right extremists committed most politically motivated killings since 1990. He also cited Trump’s comment at Kirk’s memorial, where Trump said, “I hate my opponent,” while reflecting on the late conservative activist.

Kelly pushed back strongly, saying the student’s claim “assumes facts not in evidence” and was “not true.” She argued that once “crazies” are excluded, left-wing violence is more common and dismissed the link between Trump’s rhetoric and Kirk’s killing as a “blatant lie.” She also described Trump’s controversial comment at the memorial as a “self-deprecating joke,” saying the former president has every right to dislike his political enemies after years of legal and political battles.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 during the first stop of his America Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. Police have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the attack. The killing shocked the conservative movement and led to renewed conversations about political violence in the United States. Kelly, who had close ties to Kirk, emotionally addressed his death on her podcast shortly after confirming the news.

Reactions and Broader Impact

The Virginia Tech event was nearly sold out, showing continued support for Turning Point USA despite recent tragedy. Outside, a small group of peaceful counter-protesters held signs reading “hate has no home here” and “Hokies don’t hate.” Supporters inside said they attended to honor Kirk’s legacy and resist fear following his assassination.

Kelly urged young conservatives to “find your courage” and speak openly about their beliefs while maintaining respect for opposing views. She criticized what she described as “leftist institutions” discouraging conservative speech and said Kirk’s death would not silence their movement. The confrontation highlighted America’s tense political climate as the 2026 election season approaches.

Megyn Kelly’s Turning Point appearance became a flashpoint for debates on political rhetoric and violence. While some criticized her defense of Trump, others praised her call for free speech and resilience after Kirk’s death. The exchange underscored the national divide over how political speech shapes public safety and activism.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Megyn Kelly say about Trump at the Turning Point event?

Kelly defended Trump, saying his “I hate my opponent” comment at Charlie Kirk’s memorial was a joke and not incitement to violence.

Q2: Why was Charlie Kirk’s death mentioned?

A student argued Trump’s rhetoric contributed to the climate that led to Kirk’s killing. Kelly strongly rejected the claim.

Q3: Who killed Charlie Kirk?

Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

Q4: What was the reaction outside the Virginia Tech event?

Counter-protesters held signs promoting peace, while attendees said they came to honor Kirk and support free speech.

Q5: What is the American Comeback Tour?

It is a national college campus tour organized by Turning Point USA to honor Kirk and encourage open conservative dialogue.