Nelly Korda Donates $1 Million for Charlie Kirk Memorial Murals with Mysterious Message

Orem, Utah, September 12, 2025 – In a stunning act of philanthropy, professional golfer Nelly Korda announced a $1 million donation to fund nearly 300 memorial murals honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. The announcement, made just hours after Kirk’s assassination sent shockwaves across the nation, has captivated public attention not only for its scale but also for the enigmatic message Korda requested to be inscribed on each mural: “Truth Lives On.” This cryptic phrase has sparked widespread speculation about its meaning and Korda’s intentions, adding a layer of intrigue to an already polarizing tragedy.

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent figure in the conservative movement, was killed by a single gunshot to the neck while speaking at an outdoor event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. The attack, labeled a “political assassination” by Utah Governor Spencer Cox, occurred during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” attended by approximately 3,000 people. The shooter, described as a college-aged individual, fired from a rooftop 200 yards away using a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, then fled into a nearby wooded area. Authorities recovered the weapon and ammunition inscribed with references to “transgender and antifascist ideology,” though the suspect remains at large.

Kirk’s death has ignited a firestorm of grief and outrage, with President Donald Trump ordering U.S. flags to fly at half-staff until September 14 and announcing that Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vigils have sprung up nationwide, and a growing memorial of flowers and American flags adorns the university campus. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, is conducting an intensive manhunt, bolstered by over 7,000 public tips and a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Nelly Korda’s Unprecedented Donation

Nelly Korda, the 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist and world No. 1 women’s golfer, announced her $1 million donation in a brief statement posted on X at 12:31 AM PDT today. “Charlie Kirk stood for something bigger than himself,” Korda wrote. “These murals will ensure his message endures. Truth Lives On.” The donation will fund the creation of nearly 300 murals across the United States, to be painted on public buildings, university campuses, and community centers in coordination with local governments and Turning Point USA. Each mural, estimated to cost approximately $3,500, will feature Kirk’s likeness and the inscription “Truth Lives On,” a phrase that has already sparked intense debate.

Korda, known for her reserved demeanor and focus on her sport, has rarely engaged in political discourse, making her donation and the accompanying message all the more surprising. The golfer, who won the 2021 Women’s PGA Championship and a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has previously supported charitable causes through her foundation, focusing on youth sports and education. Her decision to honor Kirk, a polarizing figure known for his outspoken criticism of progressive ideologies, has raised eyebrows, with some speculating about a personal or ideological connection between the two, though none has been confirmed.

The Mysterious Message: “Truth Lives On”

The phrase “Truth Lives On” has become a focal point of public fascination. Korda’s statement offered no explanation for its meaning, leaving commentators, social media users, and political analysts to interpret it. Some view it as a nod to Kirk’s self-proclaimed mission of “speaking truth” against what he saw as cultural and political decline. Others suggest it reflects a broader call for unity in a divided nation, emphasizing the endurance of free speech and conviction. On X, posts have ranged from praise for Korda’s generosity to accusations of opportunism, with one user writing, “Is Nelly honoring Kirk or making a statement? That message feels loaded.” Another speculated, “Truth Lives On? Sounds like a challenge to the shooter’s ideology.”

The ambiguity of the phrase has also drawn comparisons to Kirk’s own cryptic social media posts, such as his 2013 tweet, “Good men must die, but death can’t kill their names,” which inspired a separate $50,000 fundraiser for a memorial statue at Utah Valley University. Art historians note that memorial murals often carry symbolic weight, and Korda’s choice of a concise yet evocative phrase may be intended to provoke reflection rather than division.

Public and Political Reactions

Korda’s donation has elicited a spectrum of responses. Supporters, including Turning Point USA co-founder Bill Montgomery, hailed her as a “patriot” who recognizes Kirk’s impact on young Americans. Utah Senator Daniel McCay, who launched the statue fundraiser, thanked Korda for “keeping Charlie’s legacy alive.” However, critics, including some progressive activists, have questioned her motives, pointing to Kirk’s controversial views on issues like immigration and gender identity. One X user wrote, “Nelly Korda’s money, her choice, but why align with someone so divisive?”

The donation comes amid heightened political tensions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing that foreigners who celebrate Kirk’s death will face U.S. entry bans. President Trump, in a video address, blamed “radical left” rhetoric for the assassination, a claim echoed by conservative commentators but contested by Democrats, who argue that such narratives oversimplify the complex roots of political violence.

The Broader Context

Kirk’s assassination is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting political figures, including two assassination attempts on Trump in 2024 and the killing of a Democratic state lawmaker in June 2025. The FBI’s investigation has faced scrutiny, particularly after Director Patel’s erroneous claim of a suspect in custody, later corrected. The agency has released footage of the suspect, described as wearing a black shirt with an American flag design, and is analyzing forensic evidence, including palm impressions and potential DNA.

Korda’s murals, expected to begin appearing in cities like Phoenix, Miami, and Dallas by early 2026, will likely keep Kirk’s name in the public eye, potentially amplifying the ongoing debate over his legacy. Art collectives tasked with the project, such as the American Mural Project, have pledged to work with local communities to ensure the murals reflect both Kirk’s influence and Korda’s vision of unity.

A Lasting Legacy

Nelly Korda’s $1 million donation marks a significant moment in the national response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. By funding nearly 300 murals with the mysterious inscription “Truth Lives On,” she has ensured that Kirk’s memory will endure in public spaces across the country. As the FBI’s manhunt continues and the nation grapples with rising political violence, Korda’s gesture—much like Tiger Woods’ moment of silence earlier today—offers a rare point of reflection in a polarized era. Whether her message will unite or further divide remains to be seen, but it has undeniably added a profound layer to the ongoing conversation about truth, legacy, and loss.

Sources: The New York Times, Newsweek, Reuters, X posts