Trump Struggling After Charlie Kirk Assassination Utah

President Donald Trump is reportedly struggling to process the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. New York Times correspondent and CNN analyst Maggie Haberman explained that many people close to Trump, including himself, had strong ties to Kirk, and that Trump’s own experience with two assassination attempts adds context to his response. Haberman noted that Trump’s reactions have varied depending on the setting and that he is not known for delivering measured statements in such moments. Despite his pain, Trump publicly blamed left-leaning groups for the shooting but also called for nonviolence. Other GOP leaders, including Vice President Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have expressed their condolences, while Utah Governor Spencer Cox urged calm and reconciliation. Trump described Kirk as a “giant of his generation” and extended sympathies to Kirk’s family, though he diverted from dwelling on the tragedy during a White House interaction.