Charlie Kirk is dead. And in the aftermath of his murder, a playbook is already emerging—one being readied for when the Big Macs inevitably catch up with Donald Trump.
First, MAGA Republicans demanded the silencing of anyone they perceived as joking or laughing about Kirk’s death. Then it escalated. So-called “Free Speech Absolutist” pundits, and even the Vice President of the United States, urged listeners to call the employers of their friends and family and get them fired for posts they deemed inappropriate regarding Kirk’s murder and legacy.
The crackdown quickly spread to the media. The FCC chairman stepped in, demanding Disney/ABC cut ties with Jimmy Kimmel—or else. Disney caved, and a new cancel culture news cycle began. To return to the air, Sinclair station owners demanded that Kimmel not only apologize but also make a “meaningful donation” to Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA.
On September 19, ABC affiliates were set to air a Charlie Kirk memorial special in place of Jimmy Kimmel Live! However, after backtracking, they ended up airing an episode of Celebrity Family Feud instead.
Then on Sunday came the grand funeral at State Farm Arena—capacity 73,000—with Trump, VP JD Vance, and Erika Kirk as featured speakers. While the ceremony had a touching moment or two, the event mostly resembled a Republican campaign rally.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma went full Oklahoma, cranking the worship dial up to ten. A new bill was introduced that would force every public university to install a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza,” complete with a statue of Kirk. Not to be outdone, a congressman introduced a bill to put Charlie Kirk’s face on 400,000 one dollar coins.
To round out the week’s theatrics, President Trump designated ANTIFA a terrorist organization. Of course, no such group exists, and the label is just a pretext to detain and coerce his political enemies.
So let’s recap: the state is coercing private businesses, right-wing pundits are trampling free speech, and Kirk’s legacy is being whitewashed in real time—all as the government readies itself to punish anyone who dares to dissent. Folks, American fascism has arrived.
The MAGA Playbook for Mourning
So there you have it. We now have our first glimpse of what’s to come when Donald Trump dies. And you can bet your bottom dollar that no one has paid closer attention to the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death than Donald Trump.
The President’s health is not well, and he is clearly worried about his legacy and the immediate reaction that will follow his death. Based on Kirk’s example, when Trump finally goes, we can expect TV personalities to be canceled, more policing of free speech by our neighbors, and a demand to worship and whitewash the legacy of the most divisive president in modern history.
Unfortunately for MAGA Republicans, they can’t stop what’s coming. They know the reaction that will flood their social media feeds once Donald Trump dies. They’re not ready. So they’re sharpening their fascist playbook—for the rest of us.
