MAGA movement divided over response to Kirk’s killing: Politico
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Trump aides debate how to tackle violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing, weighing crackdowns on funding networks while claiming to defend First Amendment protections.
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MAGA Hats are seen on the desk as President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
The MAGA movement remains split on how to react to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to Politico. Some of President Trump’s aides and allies have proposed cracking down on what they consider “hate speech” that fuels political violence, while others, emphasizing what they perceive as Kirk’s defense of the First Amendment, have focused on targeting NGOs and left-wing groups they allege have historically funded attacks on Republicans and law enforcement.
Nearly a week after Trump called for targeting organizations he blamed for the killing, the administration’s policy approach is still evolving. “There are a wide range of options on the table,” a White House official told Politico on condition of anonymity. The debate highlights internal tension as officials seek to turn outrage over Kirk’s death into concrete actions without infringing on free speech protections within the GOP.
Targeting violent actions, not speech
The official said discussions center on organizations “that are inciting or funding or organizing violence,” including potential investigations and the revocation of tax-exempt status for groups accused of orchestrating illegal doxxing campaigns or supplying weapons and riot materials. “It’s not about speech,” the official stressed. “It’s about violence and criminal actions.”
Some Republicans, however, questioned limits on social media rhetoric. According to Politico, Vice President JD Vance suggested people contact employers of those who celebrate or trivialize Kirk’s killing. The debate intensified when Attorney General Pam Bondi walked back her earlier pledge to target hate speech online, clarifying that “there’s free speech, and then there’s hate speech.” She later explained she meant “hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence.”
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) weighed in at the Politico AI & Tech Summit: “The First Amendment absolutely protects speech. It absolutely protects hate speech. It protects vile speech. It protects horrible speech. What does that mean? It means you cannot be prosecuted for speech, even if it is evil and bigoted and wrong.” FCC Chair Brendan Carr echoed the sentiment, noting that the Supreme Court has long protected nearly all forms of speech.
Broader investigative measures considered
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon told Politico the administration is considering steps, including designating antifa activists as domestic terrorists, declaring martial law in parts of Portland, Oregon, and investigating left-wing groups accused of funding political violence. “The biggest thing is to broaden the assassination investigation from a single murder to the broader conspiracy,” Bannon said. “If we are going to go to war, let’s go to war.”
The White House official indicated that no limits are being set on potential actions at this stage.
On Tuesday, authorities charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder, discharging a firearm, and obstruction of justice. He could face the death penalty. Investigators are still working to confirm Robinson’s motive, even as Trump and his allies suggest he may be part of a coordinated left-wing effort driving violence against conservatives. The country has recently experienced a surge in political attacks targeting both parties.
Potential targets and funding investigations
Vance indicated the crackdown would focus on “radical left lunatics,” possibly targeting organizations such as the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations, run by Democratic megadonor George Soros.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said the administration intends to use the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to pursue leftist networks accused of organizing doxxing campaigns and violent protests.
“The key point the president has been making is that somebody is paying for all of this. This is not happening for free,” Miller said. “So under the president’s direction, the attorney general is going to find out who is paying for it, and they will be criminally liable for financing violence.”
