Vance says Kirk would ‘welcome’ debate on his views following efforts to ban ‘hate speech’
The article reports on Vice President JD Vance’s statement regarding the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Vance expressed that Kirk would have welcomed a debate on his views, especially following recent discussions sparked by efforts to ban “hate speech.” Though, Vance urged people to postpone such debates until after Kirk’s funeral. This comment comes amid conservative frustration about criticism and mockery directed at Kirk after his death.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s threat to prosecute hate speech related to the backlash against Kirk caused controversy, leading to her clarifying that she intended to address violent threats, not restrict free speech. The piece also notes political tensions, including Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s remarks on Kirk’s past statements and Republican Representative Nancy Mace’s response to censure Omar.
Kirk’s funeral is scheduled to take place at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium, with expected attendance from prominent political figures including former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson has been charged with Kirk’s murder, with prosecutors pursuing the death penalty.
Vance says Kirk would ‘welcome’ debate on his views following efforts to ban ‘hate speech’
Vice President JD Vance publicly proclaimed that the late Charlie Kirk would “welcome” a debate on his views, but asked those in the conversation to save the discussion until after his funeral this week.
Vance’s post follows conservative frustrations toward those who have criticized Kirk’s past views or mocked his death.
Attorney General Pam Bondi threatened to prosecute hate speech as a consequence of discontent against Kirk, which began a bipartisan uproar over free speech.
“To my friends on the political Right: I understand the feeling that people are putting words into Charlie Kirk’s mouth,” Vance wrote on X.
“At some level, I agree and share your frustration. Try to remember: a lot of people loved Charlie. It is natural for them to debate his views and his legacy. In fact, I think Charlie would welcome that. But for now, let’s celebrate our friend, remember his impact, and save the debate for after his funeral,” he added.
To my friends on the political Right: I understand the feeling that people are putting words into Charlie Kirk’s mouth. At some level, I agree and share your frustration.
Try to remember: a lot of people loved Charlie. It is natural for them to debate his views and his legacy.…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 17, 2025
While many on both sides of the political spectrum mourned Kirk’s death last week, some also reflected on the conservative commentator’s past statements. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) said Kirk condoned slavery and openly wondered why his past statements were being ignored.
“There is nothing more f-ed up to completely pretend his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so,” Omar said during a Zeteo interview.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) issued a censure resolution for her comments, which would also remove Omar from the committees she serves on.
Others, like Omar, who have criticized Kirk, have been fired from their jobs, disciplined, or publicly shamed. Republicans have sought out Kirk’s detractors to dole out punishment.
Bondi was among Republicans who grew so frustrated with the speech that she suggested she would censor it. Bondi said the Justice Department would “absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech.”
Bondi backtracked after a backlash that contended doing so risked encroaching on freedom of speech.
“Freedom of speech is sacred in our country, and we will never impede upon that right,” Bondi told Axios in a statement. “My intention was to speak about threats of violence that individuals incite against others,” she added.
Kirk’s funeral is set for Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium. President Donald Trump and other top administration officials are expected to attend.
The conservative commentator’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, was officially charged with Kirk’s murder on Tuesday. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty.
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