In an unexpected new development, Charlie Kirk is now getting made into a national hero. This change comes in the wake of his sudden passing, but given his deeply divisive impact on American political life, Kirk’s far-right views have already ballooned into massive controversy. His legacy features sweeping critiques of civil rights advancements and inflammatory lies about race and politics.
It was Kirk’s meteoric rise to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA. Today, this small-but-mighty organization works to advance conservative values on college campuses. He built a tremendous online following, bringing millions to his podcasts and social media accounts. But it’s his inflammatory comments that have come under heavy fire. In early 2024, the Southern Poverty Law Center announced an investigation of Turning Point USA. Instead, they urged the public to scrutinize the group’s activities and hate-filled rhetoric.
Kirk’s opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act is a perfect illustration of Kirk’s bomb-throwing approach to social issues. In fact, he referred to the historic legislation as “a massive blunder.” This comment reflects a legacy of fomenting debates about civil rights which continue to electrify discussions today. He patronizedly critiqued legendary civil rights leaders. He even went as far as to call Martin Luther King Jr. awful, a comment that had most people up in arms.
The Turning Point USA organization under Kirk’s leadership gained notoriety for its “Professor Watchlist,” which targeted academics whose views contradicted Kirk’s ideology. Public outcry over those reports showed that the rightwing organization had doxxed and harassed hundreds of innocent college professors. This shocking practice was an anathema to educators and advocates alike.
Kirk espoused controversial theories, including eugenics and replacement theory, which contributed to a culture of division in political discourse. His remarks regarding marginalized communities drew ire, particularly when he claimed that Black women in government and media lacked “brain processing power.” Beyond the violence of his words, the cruelty and humiliation he champions represent a much more dangerous precedent. It further dehumanizes our political adversaries, especially on our college campuses.
On the policy stance front, Kirk created a kerfuffle by claiming support for gun rights. He even claimed gun deaths were “the price we pay” to save Americans’ god-given right to carry a firearm. This piercing truth awakening statement sparked a fiery national discussion on gun control and public safety.
Despite these controversies, Kirk’s passing has triggered a wave of memorials and honors that seem to contradict his divisive legacy. The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution honoring his life by the overwhelming margin of 310-58. Moreover, Donald Trump announced plans to award Kirk a posthumous Medal of Freedom, a move that has elicited mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
Seven NFL teams performed in-game memorials for Kirk, dramatically increasing the visibility of his posthumous recognition across American culture. Her original call for a moment of silence in the House of Representatives responded to Kirk’s story. Yet even this small gesture could not mask the deep polarization that surrounded his legacy.
“a huge mistake” – Charlie Kirk (referring to the 1964 Civil Rights Act)
“awful” – Charlie Kirk (referring to Martin Luther King Jr.)
“a made-up, new age term that does a lot of damage” – Charlie Kirk