Quick Read
- An alleged audio clip of Erika Kirk discussing Turning Point USA event success and merchandise sales surfaced shortly after Charlie Kirk’s death.
- Candace Owens leaked the audio, criticizing Erika Kirk’s ‘upbeat’ tone and ‘laughter’ just weeks after her husband’s assassination.
- Erika Kirk allegedly mentioned over 275,000 event attendees and over $200,000 in merchandise sales in the recording.
- Public reaction is divided, with some criticizing her demeanor and others defending her focus on continuing her husband’s work.
- Erika Kirk has assumed leadership of TPUSA and launched a ‘Make Heaven Crowded’ faith tour, which has also faced controversy over a featured pastor.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, is facing widespread public criticism after an alleged audio recording surfaced where she appeared to discuss the organization’s event success and merchandise sales with an upbeat tone shortly after her husband’s death. The clip, reportedly leaked by right-wing commentator Candace Owens, has ignited debate across social media regarding Kirk’s demeanor and the perceived commercialization of a memorial event, just weeks after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The alleged audio has prompted significant discussion online, with many expressing discomfort over the timing and tone of the remarks. Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA have not yet issued official statements regarding the authenticity or content of the leaked recording.
Alleged Audio Details and Candace Owens’ Claims
The alleged audio clip, which Candace Owens shared in a new YouTube video, reportedly captures Erika Kirk speaking during a Turning Point USA conference call approximately 12 days after Charlie Kirk’s death. Owens claimed the recording was made shortly after Erika Kirk assumed leadership of the organization. In the unverified clip, Erika Kirk allegedly lauded the success of a memorial event held for her late husband.
“I don’t even know where to begin. The fact that we were able to pull off an event of a century, like, it’s just insane. We had over 275,000 people that attended and stadium overflow, west gate. Insane, you guys,” Kirk allegedly stated in the recording. She also reportedly highlighted the reach of the event, claiming, “And then you have, was it 100 million? That heard the gospel and all about Charlie and all about everything that you guys do and the hard work of Turning Point USA is insane.”
The alleged clip further features Kirk discussing merchandise sales, stating, “We had thousands that were registered to vote. I think we’re at, like, over 200,000 for merch sales. Don’t quote me on that because I think it just keeps, like, bumping up like crazy.” She also reportedly thanked the staff for their dedication, acknowledging their long hours during a time of grief: “A lot of this, the staff that worked on the memorial, they had 20-hour days for a week during the time of us grieving the loss of my husband. And honestly, I know several staff that didn’t even sleep.”
Kirk allegedly urged staff unity in the recording, saying, “I don’t care if any of you have beef with each other from the past or have any issues with someone said something about this or that. Like, if you guys have any of that, please put it to rest. My husband’s dead. Like, I’m not trying to be morbid, but he’s dead. And it puts life into perspective, of how short life is.” She concluded this segment by allegedly stating, “And we are moving forward Turning Point USA 2.0 with Charlie in our hearts and that’s what he would want.”
Later in the call, Kirk reportedly mentioned significant growth for TPUSA since her husband’s death. “Since his assassination, we have 100,000 chapter requests. We have 300,000 new donors. That is a blessing in itself. Again, not normal. All God,” she allegedly said. She also noted, “I think we have 50,000-plus hat orders to fulfill.”
Candace Owens, who has previously spread conspiracy theories about Charlie Kirk’s death and has had a contentious relationship with Erika Kirk, voiced her strong disapproval of the alleged audio. “It is the general tone that is off-putting. It’s the laughter that is off-putting,” Owens commented in her video. “We are not even weeks after watching your husband be assassinated. We’re talking about numbers and metrics that have been hit.” When questioned about the clip’s authenticity, a spokesperson for Owens asserted, “Like all reporters, Candace cannot reveal her sources. The video is real and authenticated,” as reported by BuzzFeed.
Public Backlash and Divided Reactions
The release of the alleged audio has generated a significant public reaction, with opinions sharply divided. Many social media users expressed shock and discomfort at what they perceived as an overly cheerful and business-focused tone so soon after a profound personal loss. Critics on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) highlighted phrases like ‘giggling’ and ‘gleeful’ to describe Kirk’s alleged demeanor in the recording, questioning the appropriateness of discussing such metrics during a period of mourning. Some remarked that while people mourn differently, her alleged reaction was unusual.
Conversely, some listeners and supporters defended Erika Kirk’s approach, suggesting that her focus on the organization’s continued success and expansion was a way to honor her husband’s legacy and fulfill his mission. They argued that continuing the work he started could be a valid form of grieving and dedication. This division reflects broader debates about public figures’ conduct during personal tragedies and the expectations placed upon them by their followers and the media, as reported by news.az and Yahoo News.
Erika Kirk’s New Leadership and Faith Tour
Since Charlie Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk has taken on a prominent leadership role within Turning Point USA. She has also launched a new initiative, the ‘Make Heaven Crowded’ faith-based tour, which is scheduled to visit 30 cities across the United States. This tour is described as a continuation of her husband’s religious and cultural mission, aiming to expand outreach and community engagement. Kirk has reiterated her commitment to pushing forward her husband’s faith legacy, stating that ‘Church is never meant to retreat from culture. We will change this country.’
However, this tour has also attracted its own share of controversy. It has drawn attention due to the inclusion of Pastor Greg Laurie as a primary speaker, who faces past allegations linked to separate legal cases. Pastor Laurie and his organization have consistently denied any wrongdoing. This additional layer of scrutiny further complicates Erika Kirk’s public image and the ongoing efforts to guide TPUSA into its next phase.
The controversy surrounding the alleged leaked audio and Erika Kirk’s public statements highlights the complex intersection of personal grief, public leadership, and organizational continuity within high-profile political movements. The divided public reaction underscores the challenges leaders face in navigating personal tragedy while maintaining a public persona and advancing an organizational mission, particularly when such events become subjects of intense media scrutiny and online debate.