In an unexpected turn of events, conservative commentator Candace Owens has publicized a private conference call featuring Erika Kirk, the widow of the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). This release comes approximately two weeks after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. The recording, which captures Erika Kirk's conversation with the TPUSA staff, has stirred debate regarding her demeanor and the topics she chose to address during the internal meeting.
Erika Kirk, the newly appointed chief executive and chairman of TPUSA, convened the Zoom meeting to engage with employees after her husband's memorial service in Phoenix, Arizona. The service had garnered considerable attention, with President Donald Trump among the attendees, and it received extensive broadcast coverage.
In the leaked audio, Erika Kirk can be heard sharing statistics on the organization's growth in the aftermath of the tragedy. She reported significant increases in chapter requests, new donors, and merchandise sales. Erika Kirk expressed a sense of excitement, tempered by the acknowledgment of the situation's gravity, linking her feelings to a belief that the developments were a manifestation of divine purpose and the continuation of her late husband's vision.
She commended the TPUSA team for their dedication, particularly during the memorial preparations, where employees worked long hours while mourning their loss. Erika Kirk also took the opportunity to encourage her staff to put aside any personal differences, emphasizing the brevity of life and the importance of unity in light of her husband's passing. Moreover, she underscored the support available for those needing time to grieve, highlighting the organization's network of counselors and the option for paid time off.
Owens, whose podcast boasts a large following, shared the recording with her audience, stating that employees found Erika Kirk's tone throughout the meeting to be "off-putting." Owens herself commented, "All of this makes my skin crawl."
The podcast host has focused on Erika Kirk in recent weeks, raising allegations that the widow might be capitalizing on her husband's legacy for personal gain and potentially diverting TPUSA from its original mission. To date, Erika Kirk has not responded directly to these specific allegations, although she has previously addressed conspiracy theorists in a Fox News interview, defending her actions and those of her loved ones.
The controversy has escalated with a representative for Owens claiming that Erika Kirk has terminated employees seemingly without cause and accusing her of orchestrating public relations attacks against Owens. These developments have painted a complex picture of the dynamics within TPUSA following the leadership transition.
Charlie Kirk's untimely death occurred on September 10 during an engagement at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, aged 22, has been charged with murder in relation to the incident. The fallout from the tragedy continues to unfold, not only in the courts but within the court of public opinion, as this leaked conversation adds another layer to the narrative surrounding TPUSA's future and the legacy of its late founder.
