What Charlie Kirk’s killing tells us about America
The FBI and top law enforcement officials continue to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday. In Washington, President Donald Trump and others are cementing the MAGA leader’s legacy, posthumously awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. And though Trump praised what he said was Kirk’s advocacy for nonviolence, he also told reporters “we have to beat the hell” out of “radical left lunatics.” Tempers are high among his closest confidants and millions of followers. So, where does that energy go now, and can any figure unite a grieving and angry America? Playbook’s Adam Wren and White House reporter Megan Messerly break it down.
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Charlie Kirk shot dead at 31
Charlie Kirk, the right-wing political influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead in an apparent act of political violence during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Scores of politicians from both sides of the aisle quickly condemned the killing. Trump — who counted Kirk among his close allies — promised action in an address from the Oval Office, stating that his administration “will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.” Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through how we got to this moment and where things go from here.
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Trump’s D.C. takeover timer runs out
It has been one month since President Donald Trump federalized Washington, D.C. His control over the police department expires today, and it appears unlikely Congress will act to extend his power. But the National Guard troops and other federal agents are set to stay for now, so Trump’s influence will likely still be felt throughout the city. The question on everyone’s mind: Where will he direct troops next? Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns explore some possibilities. Plus, the aftershocks from Israel’s shocking bombing of Qatar are being felt in Washington.
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‘A pal is a wonderful thing’
The Jeffrey Epstein files are dominating the conversation in Washington today, following the release yesterday of a birthday greeting reportedly sent to Epstein by Donald Trump. Democrats are taking some glee over the release, but Republicans are ignoring the issue altogether, opting instead to focus on immigration and crime. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and POLITICO White House Bureau Chief Dasha Burns walk through the situation. Plus, the immigration crackdown in Chicago ramps up, and it’s special election day in northern Virginia.
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September 8, 2025: Trump’s leap of faith
This morning, President Donald Trump will head to the Museum of the Bible to speak at the second meeting of his Religious Liberty Commission. But as his words aim to shore up support from a key constituency, his actions — ranging from deploying the National Guard in major cities to favorably comparing his efforts to “Apocalypse Now” — risk opening new fissures in American life. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns break it all down. Plus, the inside scoop about the latest public clash within Trump’s inner circle.
POLITICO’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns bring their fresh insight, analysis and reporting to the biggest story driving the day in the nation’s capital.
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