MAGA Torn Over Future of Free Speech After Charlie Kirk's Death

Opposing a censorious left-wing "cancel culture" had been a cornerstone of the MAGA philosophy. Now major figures in the movement are themselves torn over free speech following Charlie Kirk's death.

America is reeling after the 31-year-old conservative activist was shot dead while speaking at a college event in Utah on September 10. In the aftermath of Kirk's assassination, prominent MAGA figures are openly split on whether certain forms of expression—especially praise for murder or other examples of so-called "hate speech"—should be met with punishment. Others are feuding over his legacy on Israel, in particular whether conservatives are free to dissent on the issue.

The divisions come amid several significant moves by the Trump administration and its allies in response to Kirk's death.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has said there is a difference between "free speech" and "hate speech," promising to prosecute purveyors of the latter, while Vice President JD Vance said those who celebrated Kirk's killing should lose their jobs.