In a significant move, Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, has chosen to speak publicly for the very first time about her recent private meeting with conservative commentator Candace Owens. Her message, delivered during a Fox News interview, was marked by a calm and direct tone, signaling a clear desire to move beyond public controversy and refocus on her organization's work.
A Direct Question and a Clear Response
On December 21, Fox News Sunday released a preview of an upcoming interview where host Shannon Bream directly questioned Kirk. Bream asked if Kirk had discovered any "common ground" with Owens following their face-to-face discussion.
Erika Kirk did not sidestep the inquiry. She explained the purpose behind the meeting, stating her goal was not to argue or pass judgment. The December 15 meeting was initiated by Kirk herself via an invitation on X (formerly Twitter), which Owens accepted. Kirk framed the encounter as one centered on clarity and honesty.
"I'm not going to speak on her behalf," Kirk stated. "We provided what we wanted to provide to show context, and also to show we have nothing to hide. And you just let the Lord do the rest. But I'm not going to sit and judge how anyone interpreted anything outside of myself. So I pray for her. I pray for her family and let the Lord handle the rest. We're building. I don't have time for the noise. I said my piece, and that's it. And we get back to work."
Background of the Controversy and the 'Egypt' Remark
This interview came after weeks of public tension. Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens made several serious allegations against Turning Point USA. Erika Kirk addressed these claims in multiple forums and publicly urged Owens to cease spreading them.
Instead of relenting, Owens shifted her focus toward Charlie Kirk's wife, prompting Kirk's invitation for a private meeting. After the December 15 discussion, both women posted on X, describing it as "productive." However, the détente was short-lived. Owens later shared her version of events on a podcast, continuing to question official findings about Charlie Kirk's murder and refusing to believe Tyler Robinson was responsible.
One of Owens' most discussed claims involved what has been termed the "Egyptian plane theory." She suggested two Egyptian planes had tracked Erika Kirk for years and questioned their presence at Provo Airport on the day of the shooting.
During a speech at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest (AmFest), Erika Kirk appeared to address this claim indirectly. While listing the international representation at the event, she remarked, "We have 25 countries represented... But I have the list here. Don't worry, guys, Egypt is not on the list." The comment, which she noted humorously triggered her iPad, sparked strong reactions online.
Fallout and Continued Tensions
The controversy continued to ripple through the conservative sphere. On the same day as Kirk's AmFest speech, commentator Ben Shapiro criticized Candace Owens from the stage, leading Owens to label him a "parasite" in response.
After the event concluded, Owens agreed with comedian Tim Dillon's assessment of AmFest as "bad reality drama," adding on X that it felt "out of touch and elite." These exchanges underscore that despite the private meeting, the public disagreements and pointed commentary persist.
Erika Kirk's primary objective in speaking out seems to be drawing a line under the drama. By stating she has "said my piece" and emphasizing a return to work, she is attempting to steer the narrative away from personal conflict and back toward the mission of Turning Point USA. Whether this stance will quell the ongoing controversy remains to be seen.
