- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Donald Trump faced widespread online backlash after being seen performing brief dance-like gestures at the memorial ceremony of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday. The event was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Viral videos showed Trump swaying beside Kirk’s widow, Erika, during a memorial song, a moment that sparked mixed reactions
In front of a massive audience, Trump delivered an emotional speech honouring Kirk, calling him “an evangelist for American liberty” and declaring, “On that day, he became immortal… he’s a martyr now for American freedom.”
What drew the most attention was not his words but his actions. At one point, the president was filmed swaying and moving lightly to the song while standing next to Erika Kirk. The gesture made Erika Kirk smile briefly, but many viewers online questioned whether the behaviour was appropriate at such a solemn occasion.
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— War Monitoring (@War_Monitoring) September 22, 2025
Trump's dance-like gesture at Kirk's funeral makes Erika laugh through tears. Charlie Kirk died a martyr. 👊 pic.twitter.com/SMePhPFWIa
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Mixed Reactions Online
The short clip of Trump’s “funny little dance” spread rapidly across social media. A user wrote, “He keeps forgetting that it’s not a campaign rally.” Another added, “I don’t know, but it looks to me like they are celebrating his death more than mourning it.”
Some defended the US president, suggesting the move was an effort to lighten the heavy mood. A supporter commented, “Charlie wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Don’t pretend you care about Charlie if you can’t smile for him.”
Ceremony Under The Spotlight
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10 in Utah at a public rally. The ceremony was attended by thousands of mourners, political figures, and supporters, turning it into one of the most viewed memorials in years. There were several videos taken during the ceremony that were shared online, but the one that featured Trump gained quick attention, and the dance went viral.
Charlie wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, don’t pretend you care about Charlie
— im nobody but i am someone (@transcended) September 22, 2025
Trump has long made a habit of incorporating his signature "dance moves" into campaign rallies, where his swaying and pointing gestures were a part of his identity.
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