PHOENIX, AZ — A fierce public dispute has erupted between conservative firebrand Candace Owens and Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk and current CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Owens alleges that Erika Kirk ordered the removal of all past episodes of The Charlie Kirk Show from major platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—a claim that has divided the organization’s massive supporter base.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Since his death, his wife Erika has led the organization, but Owens claims the transition has been marked by “manipulation” and “loyalty tests.”
1. The Deletion Controversy: Fact vs. Allegation
Owens took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, to claim that Erika Kirk’s first major act as CEO was to “scour” her husband’s digital footprint.
- What’s Missing: Supporters confirmed that hundreds of historical episodes have indeed vanished from Apple and Spotify.
- The “Salem” Defense: TPUSA officials, including Blake Neff, have attributed the removals to technical constraints and platform policies, specifically noting that the show is owned and syndicated by Salem Media Group.
- Where to Watch: While scrubbed from mainstream apps, full archives remain available on Rumble and the official TPUSA website.
2. Candace Owens’ “Fatal Attraction” Claims
The dispute has personal undertones. Owens has launched a series of “exposés” she calls Fatal Attraction, questioning the Kirks’ marriage and the circumstances surrounding his death.
| Owens’ Allegation | The Claim / Context |
| The Wedding Ring | Claims Charlie took his ring off the night before his murder; questions why. |
| Sleeping Arrangements | Called it “backward” that Erika reportedly had Charlie sleep in their daughter’s room to rest before his final event. |
| Internal Purge | Claims TPUSA employees are being subjected to “witch trials” to prove allegiance to Erika. |
3. The Assassin: Tyler Robinson Case Update
While the media war rages, the legal case against Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with the assassination, continues in Utah.
- The Motive: Prosecutors cite a “premeditated leftist ideology,” claiming Robinson’s ammunition was engraved with anti-fascist slogans.
- The Penalty: The Utah County Attorney’s Office has announced it will seek the death penalty.
- Defense Motion: Robinson’s attorneys recently filed a motion to disqualify the entire prosecutor’s office, citing a conflict of interest involving a prosecutor’s daughter who was present at the shooting.
4. Response from the Right
The infighting has drawn rebukes from other high-profile figures. Laura Loomer slammed Owens’ behavior as “demented” and “schizophrenic,” defending Erika Kirk as a grieving widow trying to maintain a massive media empire.
“It’s time for TPUSA and Mrs. Erika Kirk to sue Candace Owens and get a restraining order… She is radicalizing unstable people against Erika.” — Laura Loomer on X