Candace Owens is intensifying her criticism of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), targeting its leadership and questioning the organization’s transparency. Her latest remarks focus on Erika Kirk, the new CEO and widow of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk. Owens is alleging that TPUSA is running a “psychological operation” aimed at silencing dissent.
Owens made her case clear on her podcast, stating, “It’s never been more obvious of a psychological operation. I actually wish they would put me on payroll so I could help them make these things look more organic.” This commentary emerged amid fallout from a controversial livestream event tied to TPUSA. According to Owens, the organization manipulated this event to undermine her credibility. She specifically mentioned her canceled participation in a TPUSA broadcast aimed at addressing her allegations, underscoring the lack of transparency surrounding her and Charlie Kirk’s tragic death.
The escalating tension between Owens and TPUSA appears rooted in a longer struggle for influence within the organization since Charlie Kirk’s death. After he was shot by a sniper during a speech in September, Owens has raised questions about the decisions made by the new leadership. She argues that women in top roles, like Erika Kirk, may not make ideal choices due to their emotional decision-making capacities. “Women should not be in charge of companies because of their emotions,” she proclaimed, further deepening the controversy.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk marked a pivotal moment not only for TPUSA but also for the broader conservative movement. Since Kirk’s death, Owens has questioned the prompt announcement of Erika as CEO, citing a rush to shield her from scrutiny amid such a personal tragedy. “She should never become the CEO and chairman overnight,” Owens said, suggesting the transition lacked proper oversight.
The dynamics turned more contentious after a livestream incident where Owens was initially set to participate. However, she later faced issues with travel and claims over changing the event’s terms, alleging that the event aimed to control the narrative against her. In response, Owens announced her intent to provide a live commentary on TPUSA’s webcast, directly calling out Erika Kirk’s involvement in directing the livestream. Her inquiry about Erika’s approval of an official letter during the event only adds to her claims of a carefully curated control over the organization’s messaging.
Recently, Owens appeared on Russell Brand’s show, continuing to criticize TPUSA for what she perceives as systematic censorship. She remarked that her disillusionment with the organization has grown since Kirk’s death, expressing her belief that leadership has mismanaged the situation. “I think they made a managerial error,” she stated, emphasizing that the organization is utilizing Kirk’s death as a shield against accountability.
This isn’t the first time Owens has questioned TPUSA. A viral online clip features a woman claiming to be a former TPUSA donor liaison who echoed Owens’ critiques, stating, “I urged donors to stop funding TPUSA… Owens was telling the truth.
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