JD Vance Condemns Funding of Hate After Charlie Kirk Tragedy

 September 16, 2025

In a fiery address from the White House, Vice President JD Vance accused prominent philanthropists and organizations of stoking hostility against conservatives following the tragic assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. His remarks have sparked a heated debate over political rhetoric and funding in the wake of this violent act. The speech, delivered on Monday, underscored deep divisions in American politics.

Daily Mail reported that Vance blamed groups like the Open Society Foundations and Ford Foundation for supporting narratives that he claims fueled the violence leading to Kirk’s death, while vowing to target institutions promoting such hostility.

Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative figure recognized for his campus debates, was fatally shot last week. The incident shocked many in political circles, drawing national attention to issues of political violence. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on Friday in connection with the killing, and he is currently awaiting charges.

Vance Points Finger at Philanthropic Giants

During his Monday address on Kirk’s radio show, broadcast from the White House executive office building, Vance pointed to philanthropist George Soros and associated nonprofits as contributors to what he called left-wing animosity. He argued that this environment of hostility played a role in the events surrounding Kirk’s death.

Vance specifically criticized an article in The Nation magazine that labeled Kirk as an “unrepentant racist, transphobe, homophobe, and misogynist” who did not merit celebration. He accused the piece of distorting Kirk’s views on racial matters to justify the tragedy. Vance further claimed that the Open Society Foundations and Ford Foundation financially backed this narrative, describing their involvement as “disgusting.”

In his remarks, Vance stated, “There is no unity with someone who lies about what Charlie Kirk said in order to excuse his murder … there is no unity with the people who celebrate Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and there is no unity with the people who fund these articles, who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathizers.” This statement reflected his refusal to reconcile with those he believes are complicit in promoting violence.

Administration Vows to Combat Violent Rhetoric

Vance emphasized that the Trump administration would take action to dismantle entities he sees as fostering violence and terror. He urged the public to remain patient as the government works on these efforts. He clarified, however, that constitutionally protected speech would not be targeted, focusing instead on networks that incite or enable violent acts.

Also appearing on the radio show was Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who expressed profound grief and frustration over Kirk’s death. Miller shared, “The thing about anger is that unfocused anger or blind rage is not a productive emotion, but focused anger, righteous anger, directed for a just cause, is one of the most important agents of change in human history.” Vance responded simply with, “Amen.”

Miller elaborated on the administration’s intentions to “identify, disrupt and dismantle” groups on the far left that they believe contribute to violence. He stressed the importance of channeling anger into meaningful action. His comments underscored a determination to address what they perceive as a systemic issue.

Foundations Deny Involvement in Controversy

In response to Vance’s accusations, a spokesperson for the Open Society Foundations condemned the killing, stating, “\[We] unequivocally condemned the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk.” They added, “It is disgraceful to use this tragedy for political ends to dangerously divide Americans and attack the First Amendment.” The group rejected any suggestion that they supported violence or divisive rhetoric.

Similarly, the Ford Foundation distanced itself from the controversy, noting it had not provided financial support to The Nation since 2019. They issued a statement saying, “The murder of Charlie Kirk was an appalling act of violence.” They also extended “deepest condolences” to Kirk’s family and loved ones.

Vance, however, remained steadfast in his critique, arguing that the issue of political violence is not evenly distributed across the spectrum. He asserted, “This is not a ‘both sides’ problem.” He further claimed that most extremists in American politics belong to the far left, based on what he described as statistical evidence.

Debate Over Civility in Political Discourse

While acknowledging a broader need for civility in political conversations, Vance insisted that the responsibility does not fall equally on all sides. He maintained that the current climate is disproportionately influenced by extreme elements on the left. His comments have reignited discussions about how political rhetoric shapes public behavior.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has brought renewed focus to the dangers of polarized discourse in the United States. Vance’s pledge to target organizations he believes contribute to violence signals a potential shift in how the administration approaches such issues. The coming weeks may reveal more about the government’s strategy in this regard.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, reactions from various quarters highlight the complexity of addressing political violence. The responses from both the administration and the accused organizations suggest that consensus on solutions remains elusive. Meanwhile, the loss of Kirk continues to resonate deeply within conservative communities and beyond.