Candace Owens highlights audio of Erika Kirk discussing TPUSA event days after Charlie Kirk’s death

Candace Owens shared audio questioning Erika Kirk’s tone days after Charlie Kirk’s death

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is facing renewed scrutiny after political commentator Candace Owens shared audio from an internal call recorded less than two weeks after her husband’s death.

Charlie Kirk was killed in September in what authorities described as a targeted attack. In the days that followed, Turning Point USA organized a large memorial-style event in his honor, drawing significant attendance and generating substantial merchandise sales tied to his legacy.

The leaked audio, originally discussed by Owens on her platform, features Erika Kirk thanking staff members and praising multiple teams for their extensive efforts in executing the event. Her tone, which Owens openly questioned, was described as energetic and optimistic, a characterization that quickly became central to the controversy.

Owens framed the recording as evidence of what she called an unusually upbeat response so soon after Charlie Kirk’s death, repeatedly emphasizing the short time frame between the assassination and the internal meeting. Her commentary prompted widespread online reaction, with critics echoing her concerns while others accused Owens of exploiting personal tragedy for political infighting.

Candace Owens released leaked audio from Turning Point USA in which Erika Frantzve Kirk is heard giggling and cheerfully discussing attendance figures, merchandise sales, and performance metrics from Charlie Kirk’s memorial event just 11 days after his death pic.twitter.com/CvEoOTq5hF

— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) January 28, 2026

Supporters of Erika Kirk argue that grief manifests differently for everyone and that leadership roles often require individuals to project stability even during periods of personal loss. 

Beyond the audio itself, Owens raised broader concerns about the leadership transition at Turning Point USA. She suggested that internal tensions had emerged following Erika Kirk’s elevation to a senior role, alleging that staff members were being informally assessed for loyalty amid the organizational shift. These claims have not been independently verified.

Turning Point USA has not publicly addressed Owens’ allegations or commented on the leaked recording. The organization has continued to move forward with its programming, framing recent events as part of a long-term effort to carry forward Charlie Kirk’s political vision.