Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has confirmed the authenticity of leaked messages from the late Charlie Kirk, showing the TPUSA founder’s frustrations with some Jewish donors and pro-Israel supporters. Commentator Candace Owens shared the texts, leading to backlash from some political groups. TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet acknowledged the messages and affirmed their authenticity.
Kirk had expressed frustration over losing major funding tied to his association with Tucker Carlson, citing a $2 million withdrawal from a Jewish donor and pressure to adjust his pro-Israel stance.
Kirk allegedly wrote, “Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this … Leaving me no choice but to leave the pro-Israel cause.”
Kolvet said the leaked messages were reflective of Kirk’s earlier concerns and that his views on Israel had evolved over time. Kolvet said, “I want to take the start of this show to address some of the things that have been going around on public, namely about a text, a group text chain that has been made known and released by Candace Owens.”
Kolvet added, “And I just want to address it head-on, because that was a text grab, a screen grab, that I had shared with people.” He said, “So it is authentic, and I want to go into it, because I actually am really excited that the truth is out there.”
Carlson has noted that Kirk criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting his nuanced views on Israeli policy. Carlson said, “He did not like Bibi Netanyahu and he said that to me many times and he said to people around him many times. He felt that Bibi Netanyahu was a very destructive force.”
Kolvet said, “Charlie was adamantly free speech, and I am not personally going to impugn anybody’s character, who is asking questions and looking for answers.”
Kolvet added, “What is the truth about the way Charlie felt about Israel? Well, it’s complicated, and it’s nuanced, and it’s (something Charlie was wrestling with) for months, and it’s probably somewhere between the Bibi letter and the … group text.”
Jessica Thompson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
