Vance Criticizes Left After Kirk’s Death, Proposes University Funding Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance reiterated his criticism of the left during an episode of the Charlie Kirk Show on Wednesday, stating the First Amendment does not protect people who celebrate the death of the conservative activist. Kirk was assassinated while speaking at an event in Utah.

“If you celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death, you should not be protected from being fired for being a disgusting person,” Vance told Fox News. He added that university professors who benefit from taxpayer funding should not celebrate such events and could face job loss or reduced funding for their institutions.

The vice president emphasized the importance of civil society taking action against those who condone violence due to political disagreements. “We’ve seen people standing up and saying, ‘Yes, we have free speech, but if you’re celebrating the death of a young father, you ought to pay some consequences for it,’” Vance said.

Vance’s comments come amid a wider reaction from the Trump administration, which has pledged to investigate left-leaning organizations they accuse of inciting violence. Attorney General Pam Bondi hinted at government intervention, although her statement was later moderated.

The Vice President also mentioned internal discussions about targeting funding networks for organizations that promote left-wing violence. “You are going to be treated like a terrorist organization, and we are going to go after you,” Vance warned.

On the same day, President Donald Trump announced he would designate Antifa—a far-left anti-fascism movement—as a terrorist organization. He and Vance both suggested that left-wing violence poses a unique threat compared to right-wing violence.

Vance responded to calls from Democrats for reduced political tensions, stating, “If you want to take down the temperature, the first and most important thing you can do is look in the mirror.”

He shared a personal anecdote about informing Trump of Kirk’s death, describing the President’s somber reaction. “He just kind of went quiet and let it absorb,” Vance recalled.

Kirk, known for mobilizing young voters and his conservative activism, was shot in the neck during a speech on September 10. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder following the incident.

Vance has voiced support for making Robinson’s trial public, stating that broadcasting it could be beneficial.