Assassination of Charlie Kirk strips Maga of the man who brought the youth vote to Trump

The first family mourns the White House insider whose extremist views reflected the Republican party's major shift to the right

- Hugh Tomlinson

At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last year, an atmosphere of divine providence suffused the gathering of GOP faithful.

Days before he was set to accept the Republican presidential nomination for the third time, Donald Trump had barely escaped with his life, grazed by an assassin's bullet at a rally in Pennsylvania.

The former president's deliverance leant a miraculous air to the week. After Trump swaggered into the arena in Milwaukee sporting a dressing over his wounded right ear, imitation bandages appeared on the ears of scores of supporters. T-shirts sporting the iconic image of Trump's bloodied face and his clenched fist in the air were the most sought-after item on the merch stands surrounding the venue.

One of the first to lay his hands on one was Charlie Kirk. While Trump and his family watched from the VIP box each evening, the Turning Point USA co-founder remained on the floor of the convention centre, soaking up the atmosphere and fielding good wishes from a stream of supporters and Maga grandees.

One delegate from Kirk's home state of Arizona approached the conservative activist, gesturing to his bandaged ear. "It's the latest fashion trend," the delegate said. "I'm wearing this to honour President Trump and the sacrifices he made for us to save our country."

“I love it,” Kirk grinned, shaking his hand and posing for a selfie. He echoed a line that became a mantra throughout the week: “God still has plans for Donald Trump.”

No wonder, then, that the death of Kirk, who was killed by a bullet to the throat in Utah last week, is mourned inside the Trump White House as a death in the family. In a Maga movement riven by factions, some united only by their loyalty to the president, Kirk was the rare figure who was liked by all, Trump included.

"There are so many people around Trump who are there for the ride. Charlie was not in this for the money," one White House insider said.