On CNBC’s Squawk Box, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk laid bare the failures of America’s ruling class regarding their COVID-19 responses, a topic that ignited intense discussion. Kirk expressed his frustrations about the absence of accountability from those in power. “We did not receive any apologies from the ruling class that lied to us repeatedly,” Kirk asserted, referencing the damaging policies like lockdowns and school closures that he believes harmed everyday Americans.
During the heated exchange, CNBC co-host Andrew Ross Sorkin attempted to sidestep Kirk’s criticism by framing it as “relitigating the past.” Kirk countered that this isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about recognizing ongoing consequences from past actions. He emphasized the detrimental effects of the ruling elite’s decisions on the trust of younger Americans. “The entire country had their lives thwarted, especially young people,” he stated, highlighting a disconnect between the ruling class and the reality faced by many.
Kirk then drew parallels between the pandemic’s impact and other historical crises, suggesting that unaddressed issues such as the housing market and inflation remain critical concerns that stem from those earlier decisions. He pointed out, “A lot of the COVID injustices we are still seeing today,” asserting that the youth are fighting against a legacy of economic hardship exacerbated by policies from the previous administration.
In response to further questioning about relitigating historical events, Kirk maintained that there has been no real justice for the wrongs committed during the pandemic. “No one was held accountable,” he stated firmly. This sentiment resonated throughout the discussion, painting a clear picture of frustration and disappointment with how the ruling class has managed public trust.
The exchange underscored a growing sentiment among many that the ruling elite has failed to protect ordinary citizens, especially the younger generation. Kirk’s passionate critique was a call to acknowledge these failures rather than dismiss them—making the case that today’s populism stems from a legitimate mistrust bred from past lies and failures.
"*" indicates required fields