Vance announces crackdown on 'far-left' after Charlie Kirk shooting
Vance plans to target organizations allegedly promoting political violence using DOJ and DHS resources.
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US Vice President JD Vance hosts an episode of The Charlie Kirk Show at the White House, following the assassination of the show's namesake, Monday, Sept 15, 2025, in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
US Vice President JD Vance has announced plans for a federal crackdown on what he describes as "far-left" organizations following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. Speaking on Kirk's podcast from his White House office, Vance outlined aggressive measures targeting groups that allegedly promote political violence.
During Monday's episode, Vance hosted prominent Trump administration figures and Kirk's associates, including Tucker Carlson and advisor Stephen Miller.
The vice president declared the administration would "work to dismantle the institutions that promote violence and terrorism in our own country" over the coming months.
"We will explore every option to bring real unity to our country and stop those who would kill their fellow Americans because they don't like what they say," Vance stated from his office adjacent to the White House.
WATCH IN FULL: @VP's opening comments on The Charlie Kirk Show pic.twitter.com/J2i3uAI4x2
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 15, 2025
Miller outlines federal response
Stephen Miller provided specific details about the government's approach, announcing plans to utilize multiple federal agencies. "With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks," Miller declared, adding they would act "in Charlie's name."
Miller described what he characterized as a "vast domestic terror movement," pointing to "organized doxing campaigns, organized riots, organized street violence, and organized campaigns of dehumanization." However, he provided no evidence to substantiate claims of a coordinated network supporting Kirk's shooter.
.@StephenM on organized Radical Left violence: "With God as my witness, we are going to use every resource we have at the DOJ, Homeland Security, and throughout this government, to identify, disrupt, dismantle, and destroy these networks... We will do it in Charlie's name." pic.twitter.com/xGXYXR5bi5
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 15, 2025
Targeting critics, employers
The administration's response extends beyond law enforcement action. Vance encouraged public consequences for those celebrating Kirk's death: "When you see someone celebrating Charlie's murder, call them out. Hell, call their employer. We don't believe in political violence, but we do believe in civility."
Since Kirk's death, conservative influencers have identified individuals making critical comments about the activist, leading to employment consequences for dozens of people across the country. One social media post that Miller shared suggested targeting professional licenses for lawyers, teachers, and medical professionals who expressed inappropriate views.
Vance vs The Nation magazine
Vance specifically criticized The Nation magazine for an article he claimed misrepresented Kirk's statements about prominent Black women. He emphasized the publication's funding sources, noting support from George Soros's Open Society Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
The vice president's mention of these organizations' tax-exempt status suggests potential government action against their non-profit classifications. "Charlie was gunned down in broad daylight, and well-funded institutions of the left lied about what he said so as to justify his murder," Vance claimed.
If we want to stop political violence like what happened to Charlie Kirk, we have to be honest about the people who are celebrating it and the people who are financing it.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 15, 2025
My closing remarks on today's episode of the Charlie Kirk Show: pic.twitter.com/pEAqbAL3yr
The Ford Foundation responded to the criticism by condemning Kirk's murder as "an appalling act of violence" and stating that political violence threatens American democracy. The organization clarified it has not funded The Nation since 2019, while the article's author denied receiving payment from either foundation mentioned by Vance.
Political violence claims
Vance cited polling data to support claims that left-leaning individuals are more likely to defend political violence. "The data is clear, people on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence," he stated, referencing a YouGov poll. "This is not a both-sides problem."
MUST WATCH: @VP powerfully delivers some hard truths on political violence in America.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 15, 2025
"While our side of the aisle certainly has its crazies, it is a statistical FACT that most of the lunatics in American politics today are proud members of the Far Left." pic.twitter.com/mYnkCZhuXU
Trump echoed similar sentiments, attributing current problems to "the left, not the right," specifically mentioning "agitators" and "American flag burnings."
.@POTUS: "I didn't say it's on one side, but I did say the Radical Left causes tremendous violence — and they seem to do it in a bigger way... I really think they hate our country." pic.twitter.com/E8RRCdjnL6
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 15, 2025
Shooter background unclear
The political motivations of Kirk's killer remain unclear. Investigators found bullet casings inscribed with references to video games and online culture, though authorities have not established connections to any organized political movement. A 22-year-old suspect is in custody following the campus shooting that killed the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder.
Since Kirk's death, his organization has experienced unprecedented growth. Turning Point USA reported receiving over 32,000 inquiries to establish new campus chapters within just two days of the shooting, suggesting Kirk's death may accelerate the group's expansion across American high schools and colleges.