The battle for Charlie Kirk’s legacy

After Charlie Kirk’s death, will young people still vote Republican, and could the battle for his legacy cost Donald Trump crucial votes in this year’s midterm elections?

This week marks the start of hearings which will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bring a murder case against Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. The hearings have once again highlighted Charlie Kirk’s influence on young people and the battle among some Republicans to secure his legacy.

His death remains the subject of conspiracy theories among prominent far-right influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens while candidates in this year’s midterm elections have used his endorsement in campaign ads. But alongside this is also an administration that is increasingly unpopular with young people who voted for Trump in part to deal with cost-of-living pressures and a desire for no more wars.

Can the Republican Party keep hold of the voters that Charlie Kirk helped deliver, and where will they go if they don’t vote for the party?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Jonathan Greer. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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