Candace Owens’ release of Charlie Kirk’s private texts just weeks after his assassination has ignited outrage across conservative circles, raising questions about opportunism and the manipulation of a fallen patriot’s legacy.
Owens’ Leak of Kirk’s Messages Sparks Conservative Backlash
On Tuesday, Candace Owens publicly released a leaked group chat involving Charlie Kirk, just two days before his tragic assassination. The exchange revealed Kirk’s private frustration over pro-Israel donors withdrawing support from his organization, Turning Point USA, after he refused to silence critics of Israel. In the chat, Kirk lamented losing a $2 million donor and considered inviting Owens to events, expressing his unwillingness to be bullied out of his principles. This move by Owens, timed so soon after Kirk’s death, has been widely criticized by those close to him as a blatant attempt to leverage his legacy for her own influence.
🇮🇱🇺🇸 Candace Owens shared a group chat with Josh Hammer, Rob McCoy, and 6 other TPUSA affiliates where Charlie Kirk explicitly said he had no choice but to "leave the pro-Israel cause" just 48 hours before he was assassinated pic.twitter.com/6vVoc1glah
— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) October 6, 2025
Kirk’s Complex Relationship with Donors and Israel
Charlie Kirk’s views on Israel and the pressure from donors were no secret even before his passing. In August, he told Megyn Kelly about being labeled antisemitic by certain pro-Israel voices after refusing to purge critics from conservative circles. He spoke candidly about the “repulsive” tactics used to coerce his support, making it clear he would not compromise his integrity or principles for financial backing. Despite moments of frustration, Kirk remained a vocal supporter of Israel, as evidenced by a detailed memo he sent to Prime Minister Netanyahu outlining strategies to defend Israel in the digital age. His record demonstrates a commitment to honest, sometimes uncomfortable, dialogue rather than blind allegiance.
Owens’ decision to leak Kirk’s private messages has been condemned by Turning Point USA representatives and donors alike, who view it as an act of reputation theft rather than revelation. The messages, intended for internal discussion and law enforcement, were weaponized in a manner many describe as ghoulish—seeking to annex Kirk’s followers and reshape his narrative for her own gain. For many in the conservative movement, this act not only disrespects Kirk’s memory but also threatens the unity and trust that underpin effective grassroots activism.
HOLY SH*T:
Candace Owens just revealed that 24 hours before Charlie Kirk was murdered that he messaged people that he "thought he was going to be killed."
She says 3 sources confirm to her that Charlie said, in messages, "they" were going to kill him.
This is getting insane. pic.twitter.com/TlyntW6ByY
— Evan Kilgore 🇺🇸 (@EvanAKilgore) October 7, 2025
Manipulation of Tragedy and the Erosion of Conservative Values
Owens’ actions have reignited debate about the dangers of opportunism and the fragility of loyalty within the conservative movement. Seasoned activists and donors, particularly those with direct ties to Kirk and the Trump administration, have voiced their dismay at how quickly some are willing to exploit a martyr for personal brand-building. The rapid reframing of Kirk’s private frustrations as public betrayals ignores the complexity and nuance of his thinking. Instead, it highlights a troubling trend: the willingness of certain personalities to hijack a movement’s legacy at the expense of its foundational values of truth, loyalty, and dignity.
Less than a month after Kirk’s assassination, his legacy is being manipulated by voices who once claimed to admire him, revealing a deeper crisis of principle within the movement. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for vigilance against those who would erode conservative values for self-promotion, and about the importance of remembering leaders for the totality of their convictions—not just the controversies others manufacture from their private words.
Conservative Response: Defending Integrity and Legacy
For many in Trumpworld and on Capitol Hill, Charlie Kirk’s impact on youth outreach and conservative activism remains untarnished by attempts to rewrite his story. His friends and colleagues recall a man dedicated to the cause, unafraid to voice contrarian opinions, and never reliant on others to interpret his beliefs. As the conservative movement faces renewed tests of unity and clarity, Kirk’s experience stands as a reminder: loyalty and principled leadership must triumph over opportunism and manipulation, especially in the aftermath of tragedy. History will ultimately judge not only the legacy of patriots like Kirk but also the character of those who choose to stand on their graves for personal gain.