Political commentator Candace Owens has again questioned how Turning Point USA handled the announcement of Erika's leadership role after the death of founder Charlie Kirk. This time, the argument grew after Daily Mail political reporter Charlie Spiering said he personally viewed the disputed Aspen video that allegedly showed Charlie Kirk naming Erika as his successor.
The latest back-and-forth started after Candace Owens publicly raised doubts about the video that was used during AmFest. She claimed donors who attended the event believed the audio could have been created using artificial intelligence. Candace Owens also questioned why the public heard Charlie Kirk's voice in the clip but did not see the full video footage during the presentation.
Charlie Spiering responded directly to her concerns on X. He wrote, “You’re right, Candace. The video is crucial, which is why I asked @TPUSA to see it. I approached them in good faith, and they agreed.” He continued, “It’s real, and multiple people who were in Aspen that day remember the moment.”
The Daily Mail reporter also explained that the video was not the only reason Turning Point USA’s board decided to appoint Erika. According to Charlie Spiering, several donors and close friends of Charlie Kirk told him there were serious concerns about Kirk’s safety and the future of the organization after Butler. He said Charlie Kirk had reassured people that Erika and the board would continue the mission if “the worst happened.”
Candace Owens questions Charlie Spiering over Turning Point USA Aspen video and AI concerns
Candace Owens later challenged Charlie Spiering’s claims and asked why he had publicly written that he contacted her without success. She said he had already been communicating with Mitchell on another matter this month and never asked questions about donors who disputed the video.
She also questioned why Turning Point USA chose to release only the audio publicly instead of showing the complete video footage. Candace Owens wrote, “Respectfully, is your skill set AI? Were you the correct person to assess whether the video was real or made by the Hollywood A.I company that Turning Point met with following Charlie’s death?”
She further claimed she personally has material from Aspen that could help determine whether the video had been changed using artificial intelligence technology. Candace Owens added that Turning Point USA’s reported meeting with a company specializing in posthumous AI-generated videos raised more questions for her.
At this point, Turning Point USA has not publicly released the full Aspen video that remains at the center of the dispute. No independent forensic report has been publicly shared either. The conversation continues online as supporters on both sides debate whether the video should be fully released to settle the growing controversy.
About the Author
Sehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international sports, with a specialization in the NFL. She has been writing about sports since 2025, reporting on leagues, tournaments, and athletes who shape the game. A Master’s in Management adds depth to her analysis, while her love for Hollywood movies and pop culture sparks her storytelling voice, a flair that also shapes her entertainment writing, giving it the same energy and creativity she brings to sports.
