Republicans Honor Kirk as Trump Promises 5,000 Dividend

DALLAS - Republicans closed the first midterm convention in the party's history on Thursday with an emotional tribute to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, one year after his assassination, as President Donald Trump used the gathering to promise a $5,000 payment to American adults if his party retains control of Congress in November. Vice President JD Vance headlined the closing night at the American Airlines Center, honoring Kirk on the first anniversary of his September 10, 2025 death. Vance recalled that Kirk attended his speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and in a separate appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show he said he still struggles to accept the loss, telling the program that he sometimes questions the loss in prayer while trying to find purpose in it. The convention program included a tribute video narrated in Kirk's own words, along with a prayer from Pastor Lucas Miles of TPUSA Faith. Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters said in a statement that Kirk was a leader whose impact on free speech, young Americans and the party would not be forgotten, and that Republicans would work to carry forward what he built. Sen.