Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Charlie Kirk

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk is an American conservative political activist, author, and media personality known for his right-wing populist views. He co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 and serves as its executive director. Kirk also holds CEO positions in Turning Point Action, Turning Point Academy, and Turning Point Faith, as well as president of Turning Point Endowment. Additionally, he is a member of the Council for National Policy. His work primarily focuses on promoting conservative principles and engaging young people in political activism.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1964: Civil Rights Act of 1964

In December 2023, Charlie Kirk condemned the Civil Rights Act of 1964, calling its passage a "huge mistake" and alleging that it had created a "permanent DEI-type bureaucracy".

2016: Addressed 2016 Republican National Convention, supported Trump

In 2016, Charlie Kirk addressed the Republican National Convention, stating that while he wasn't a big fan of Donald Trump, he would vote for him. He assisted with travel and media arrangements for Donald Trump Jr., signaling a shift in support.

July 7, 2018: Falsely Claimed Increase in Human Trafficking Arrests

On July 7, 2018, Charlie Kirk falsely claimed on social media that Justice Department statistics showed an increase in human trafficking arrests, which he later deleted after it was debunked.

December 2018: Falsely Claimed Yellow Vest Protesters Chanted 'We want Trump'

In December 2018, Charlie Kirk falsely claimed that protesters in the French yellow vests movement chanted "We want Trump."

October 2019: Claimed to Never Say Something He Said

At a New Hampshire Turning Point event featuring Rand Paul in October 2019, Charlie Kirk claimed that he never said he was denied entry to West Point due to a less-qualified candidate of a different gender and persuasion, contradicting previous statements.

August 2020: Comments on Democrats closing campuses

In August 2020, during a Council for National Policy meeting, Charlie Kirk stated that Democrats had made a "foolish" decision by closing college campuses, alleging it would hinder ballot harvesting and voter fraud, reducing potential votes.

November 5, 2020: Led Stop the Steal protest in Phoenix

On November 5, 2020, immediately after Donald Trump lost the presidential election, Charlie Kirk led a "Stop the Steal" protest at the Maricopa Tabulation Center in Phoenix, promoting false claims of election fraud.

2020: False claims about COVID-19 and social distancing

In 2020, Charlie Kirk made multiple false claims regarding COVID-19, including alleging that the WHO covered up information, falsely claiming hydroxychloroquine was effective, and asserting social distancing prohibitions in churches were a "Democratic plot against Christianity." He also refused to abide by mask requirements due to questioning the science behind them.

2020: Spread false information about COVID-19

In 2020, Charlie Kirk spread false information and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 on social media, including criticism of Democrats regarding Donald Trump's withdrawal of WHO funding and referring to COVID-19 as the "China virus".

2020: Considered a social influencer in Giuliani's plan

In 2020, Charlie Kirk was considered a "big name" social influencer in Rudy Giuliani's communications plan to overturn the 2020 election.

2020: ProPublica Investigated TPUSA Finances

In 2020, ProPublica investigated the finances of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and alleged misleading financial claims and self-enrichment by leaders, including Charlie Kirk. The report noted that Kirk's salary had increased significantly, and he had purchased an $855,000 condo.

2020: Falkirk Center's political advertisements

In 2020, the Falkirk Center spent at least $50,000 on political Facebook advertisements promoting Trump and Republican candidates.

January 5, 2021: Turning Point Action sent buses to D.C. protest

On January 5, 2021, the day before the storming of the United States Capitol, Charlie Kirk tweeted that Turning Point Action and Students for Trump were sending buses of people to Washington D.C. to fight for the president. Julie Fancelli gave Kirk's organization $1.25 million to fund the buses to the January 6 event.

May 2021: Urged parents to protest at school board meetings

In May 2021, Charlie Kirk tweeted, urging parents to protest at school board meetings and push back on mask mandates and the teaching of critical race theory.

July 2021: Promoted misleading claims about COVID-19 vaccines

In July 2021, Charlie Kirk promoted misleading claims about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines. On Fox News' Tucker Carlson show, Kirk referred to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for students as "medical apartheid."

October 5, 2021: Called George Floyd a Scumbag

On October 5, 2021, during the Minnesota leg of the "Exposing Critical Racism Tour", Charlie Kirk called George Floyd a "scumbag" and appeared to refer to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

October 2021: Comments on Democrats' societal goals

In October 2021, on his podcast, Charlie Kirk stated that Democrats wanted Americans to live in a state where there is no cultural identity, sexual anarchy prevails, private property is nonexistent, and the ruling class controls everything. He later released a statement on the Claremont Institute's website doubling down on his remarks.

February 2022: Comments at CPAC on southern border versus Ukrainian border

At the February 2022 Conservative Political Action Conference, Charlie Kirk stated that "The southern border matters a lot more than the Ukrainian border" and that "In fact, I want every Republican leader who comes up on stage the next couple days to call what's happening on the southern border an invasion because two million people waltzed into our country last year."

February 2022: Characterized the conflict in Ukraine as a border dispute

In February 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Charlie Kirk characterized the conflict as a "border dispute" and spread false claims from Russian state media alleging that Ukraine was firing mortar shells at a Russian separatist enclave.

2022: Remarks on romantic relationships for women

At the TPUSA Young Women's Leadership Summit 2022 Conference, Charlie Kirk stated that the "biblical model" for women in romantic relationships is a partner who is "a protector and a leader," suggesting conservative men can be found within Turning Point USA chapters.

2022: Twitter Files alleged censorship

In 2022, "The Twitter Files" were released by journalist Bari Weiss, alleging that Twitter censored conservative personalities. Charlie Kirk's Twitter account was allegedly flagged under "do not amplify".

February 2023: Kirk's podcast contained misleading statements

A February 2023 Brookings Institution study found Charlie Kirk's podcast contained the second-highest proportion of false, misleading and unsubstantiated statements among 36,603 episodes produced by 79 prominent political podcasters.

December 2023: Described Martin Luther King Jr. as "awful"

In December 2023, Charlie Kirk used a speech at AmericaFest to describe Martin Luther King Jr. as "awful" and condemned the Civil Rights Act of 1964, calling its passage a "huge mistake".

The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties

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2024: Report on stance on LGBT issues

According to a 2024 NBC News report, Charlie Kirk shifted towards more socially conservative stances. Kirk has argued there is an "LGBTQ agenda", and opposes gay marriage.

2024: Blamed DEI programs for aviation issues

In January 2024, Charlie Kirk blamed DEI programs for national aviation issues and expressed skepticism about the qualifications of Black pilots. His comments resulted in conflict with the Republican National Committee over outreach to Black voters.