Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and prominent conservative activist, privately expressed frustration over pressure from major Jewish donors and hinted he might step back from pro-Israel advocacy, according to confirmed private messages.
The texts, shared publicly by Candace Owens, revealed Kirk’s anger after substantial funding was withdrawn because he refused to disinvite former Fox News host Tucker Carlson from the upcoming AmericaFest event.
In one message, Kirk reportedly wrote, “Just lost another huge Jewish donor, $2 million a year because we won’t cancel Tucker. I’m thinking of inviting Candace.”
He added, “Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this,” and concluded, “Leaving me no choice but to leave the pro Israel cause.”
After the texts were revealed, TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the authenticity of the texts during a recent episode of “The Charlie Kirk Show.”
Kolvet stressed the messages were private and initially withheld to respect Kirk’s trust but were later shared with authorities after Kirk’s assassination to aid the ongoing investigation.
The FBI subsequently arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the prime suspect in Kirk’s murder in Utah. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Meanwhile, the released texts shed light on Kirk’s mounting frustration over donor influence and his growing criticism of Israeli leadership.
According to the Daily Mail, he described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a very destructive force” and suggested that U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts at times prioritized Israel’s interests over America’s.
Carlson, however, has taken a more measured stance—recognizing Israel’s strategic importance while condemning policies he views as counterproductive to U.S. interests.
Social media users speculated about possible connections between Kirk’s criticism of Israel and his assassination, drawing intense attention to his recent messages.
Many X users also highlighted the controversy surrounding Carlson, observing that Kirk’s decision to keep the former Fox News host on the AmericaFest roster may have triggered donor backlash.
Kirk had long been viewed as a leading evangelical supporter of Israel within conservative circles.
He frequently traveled to the country for political and religious events and met his wife, Erika, there.
Kolvet noted that Kirk’s private criticisms of Israel and his frustration over donor pressure surprised observers, given his well-established reputation as a staunch ally of the nation.
Authorities continue to investigate Kirk’s death, with Kolvet emphasizing that officials are reviewing all aspects of the murder, including the context of his private and public communications.
Kirk’s messages and the reactions they sparked highlight growing tensions within conservative circles over donor influence, Israel policy and the intersection of private beliefs with public advocacy.
While widely regarded as a steadfast supporter of Israel, his recent communications illustrate the challenges of maintaining ideological alignment amid political, financial, and high-profile media pressures in organizations like TPUSA.
The episode has intensified debates within the conservative movement about the role of donors, the limits of free expression and the balance between personal beliefs and public advocacy.
Observers say Kirk’s recent messages reveal the complexities faced by prominent figures navigating both internal and external pressures, particularly when media attention and political stakes are high.
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