Faith and State Met at Charlie Kirk’s Funeral

Plus: Erika Kirk's Mission

View in browser | Update preferences SUBSCRIBE FOR FULL ACCESS MATTHEW LYNCH, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Yesterday was an NFL Sunday in America, but in Glendale, Arizona, at State Farm Stadium, where the Cardinals play their home games, tens of thousands of people gathered for an altogether different American ritual. They were there to mourn Charlie Kirk, the right-wing activist who was killed earlier this month at a college in Utah. Attendees included President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Tucker Carlson. Dan Adler, who covered the proceedings for VF, observed that the event often had the air of a worship service: "At most every turn, the service made an explicitly religious appeal, positioning Charlie Kirk as more potent a Christian advocate in death than in life." Elsewhere today: Julie Miller considers Kirk's widow, Erika, who will take over his Turning Point USA media empire; Eric Lutz explains Tom Homan's mystery money bag; and Savannah Walsh talks to The Summer I Turned Pretty breakout star Isabella Briggs. Watching Charlie Kirk's Funeral BY DAN ADLER By dawn on Sunday, thousands had gathered outside State Farm Stadium for a memorial service with attendees from inside the White House—Trump, J.D. Vance, and several Cabinet members—and the most visible portions of its external orbit, with Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson on hand. Part state funeral, part evangelical worship ceremony, the proceedings began with a Scottish bagpipe group performing "Amazing Grace" beside a large framed portrait of Kirk. "Who can feel the revival right now?" YouTube personality Benny Johnson said as he took the stage. READ MORE Read All About It POLITICS Tom Homan and the Mysterious Bag of Money BY ERIC LUTZ The DOJ's handling of the Homan case appears to underscore Trump's own politicization of the justice system, in which he has all but granted impunity to his allies while seeking to use the powers of the state to crack down on political opponents. READ MORE ROYALS Mum Date With Kate and Melania BY VALENTINE ULGU-SERVANT Last week, at an engagement with young scouts, the Princess of Wales and the first lady chatted over mummy matters. READ MORE TELEVISION The Summer I Turned Pretty's Next Chapter BY SAVANNAH WALSH Rising star Isabella Briggs speaks out about her character's surprising romantic outcome, divisive fan reactions, and whether she'll reprise her role in the upcoming movie. READ MORE Media Studies Erika Kirk's Mission BY JULIE MILLER As far as MAGA wives go, Erika Kirk was as devoted to her husband's political career as Melania Trump has appeared to be disinterested in Donald's. Kirk seems comfortable speaking at rallies and into a mic, à la Lara Trump—who segued her marriage with Eric Trump into a Fox program that premiered earlier this year. Whereas Lara seemed independent-minded, Erika has made it clear that, in alignment with her Christian values, wives serve their husbands. VF's Julie Miller profiles Charlie Kirk's widow as she emerges from his shadow. READ MORE From the October Issue Steve Buscemi Answers VF's Proust Questionnaire The actor and firefighter on psilocybin, anxiety, and Jimmy Stewart fan mail. An Exclusive Tour of Mark Ronson's Home Office VF met up with the DJ and newly minted author of Night People and chatted vinyl hunting, learning from Mary Karr, and the wow-inducing moment he had while dating a famous ex. MORE FROM VANITY FAIR POLITICS BUSINESS HOLLYWOOD STYLE ROYALS CELEBRITY This e-mail was sent to you by VANITY FAIR. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, vanityfair@newsletter.vf.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2025. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.