Hundreds gathered Sunday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University last week. While President Trump was absent, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as Health and Human Services Secretary, delivered remarks that quickly drew attention online.

During his tribute, RFK Jr. praised Kirk’s impact on young Americans but sparked confusion when he said the two first met in 2001 on Kirk’s “podcast,” describing the encounter as the start of a soulmate-like friendship. The timeline immediately raised questions, since Kirk was only eight years old at the time and his podcast didn’t launch until 2020. Many suggested Kennedy simply meant 2021, but the comment nonetheless spread quickly across social media.

Critics mocked the inconsistency, calling it “a straight-up hallucination” and an example of sloppy storytelling in a high-profile setting. Supporters countered that it was clearly a misspeak during an emotional speech, not an intentional fabrication.

Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with Trump expected to attend. For some, RFK Jr.’s gaffe overshadowed the memorial; for others, the focus remained on Kirk’s legacy and the movement he built through Turning Point USA.