Turning Point USA abruptly postponed a livestream that had been planned to counter podcaster Candace Owens’ claims regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and the newly appointed leader of the conservative organization, announced she would instead meet with Owens privately on Monday to discuss the matter.
The controversy stems from Owens’ increasingly conspiratorial theories about Kirk’s death, which have become a divisive issue within the MAGA movement. Owens has alleged without evidence that insiders at TPUSA, American supporters of Israel, and the French military were involved in a plot against Kirk. In recent weeks, she has also questioned Erika Kirk’s motives since taking over as CEO of the influential conservative student group founded by her late husband. TPUSA had largely avoided a direct confrontation with Owens until Dec. 3, when Blake Neff, a producer on The Charlie Kirk Show, issued a detailed rebuttal and scheduled a livestream to address Owens’ claims. Owens declined to participate due to a scheduling conflict, prompting the organization to postpone the public discussion.
Erika Kirk herself has publicly rebuked Owens, emphasizing that attacks on her family and TPUSA staff were unacceptable. The feud has highlighted deeper divisions in conservative media, with some influencers criticizing Owens for exploiting Kirk’s death, while others defend her and press TPUSA for explanations of the alleged inconsistencies she has raised. Owens’ theories, particularly those involving Israel and pro-Israel donors, have drawn sharp criticism from mainstream conservatives and Jewish organizations, further fueling tension within the movement. Both parties have committed to a private, in-person conversation on Monday, with public discussions and social media posts on hold until after the meeting.