French media’s incendiary comparisons of Charlie Kirk’s memorial to a Nazi rally provoke outrage among conservatives and deepen transatlantic tensions.
Story Highlights
- Charlie Kirk’s memorial draws a massive crowd, showcasing his influence.
- French media criticism sparks international debate and conservative backlash.
- The comparisons highlight cultural and political divides between the U.S. and Europe.
- Turning Point USA’s role in organizing the event underscores its political clout.
Massive Turnout at Charlie Kirk’s Memorial
On September 21, 2025, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, became the venue for one of the largest memorials for a private citizen in U.S. history. Tens of thousands gathered to honor Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). This event saw an attendance of approximately 90,000 to 100,000 people. The scale of the memorial, along with the presence of high-profile conservatives, demonstrated Kirk’s significant influence in American politics.
TPUSA, known for its campus activism and conservative rallies, organized the event. The memorial attracted prominent figures from the conservative movement, further highlighting its importance. The choice of Arizona, a politically significant swing state, underscored Kirk’s national profile and the strategic emphasis on uniting conservative voices in a key battleground.
Sounds like we should have let Germany have France… They have a lot in common.
French Media Compare Charlie Kirk Memorial to Nazi Rally, Assassination to ‘Reichstag Fire’https://t.co/2QthvxFHiX
— 2FEDUP (@MichaAudra) September 23, 2025
French Media’s Controversial Comparisons
While the event was a tribute to Kirk’s legacy, French media outlets sharply criticized its tone and scale. Some commentators controversially likened the memorial to a Nazi rally, drawing intense backlash from U.S. conservatives. This comparison has been viewed as an attempt to trivialize the gathering and undermine its significance. The analogies reflect broader cultural and political divides between American conservative values and European sensibilities regarding mass political gatherings.
Ongoing Debate and Implications
The international debate sparked by the memorial and its coverage continues to unfold. For TPUSA and its supporters, the event serves as a rallying point, reinforcing their commitment to conservative principles and honoring Kirk’s contributions. However, the backlash from French media highlights the potential for further scrutiny of large-scale political gatherings, especially in an era where political symbolism is closely examined and often contested.
Looking ahead, the event could influence how public mourning and political expression are perceived and managed within the conservative movement. The memorial’s sheer scale and the intense reactions it provoked underscore the complexities of modern political discourse and the role of media in shaping public perception.
Sources:
Fox News Digital
CBS News
USA Today
