A previously unreleased video reportedly shows the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), naming his wife, Erika Kirk, as his preferred successor just weeks before his assassination. The Daily Mail published a report on Thursday detailing the contents of this footage, which was allegedly recorded during an exclusive donor retreat hosted by TPUSA in Aspen, Colorado, in August of last year.
"I appoint my wife to run Turning Point USA if something happens to me. Erika would do a great job." — Charlie Kirk, Founder of Turning Point USA
The report indicates that approximately 200 donors attended the Aspen event. During a question-and-answer session focused on the future of the organization following President Donald Trump’s reelection, a donor reportedly asked Kirk about TPUSA's succession plan should "something happen" to him. Attendees cited in the report recall nervous laughter in the room following the question. Kirk reportedly responded, "What a great question," before emphasizing the importance of building a "vision-led" organization rather than one solely dependent on its founder. He then explicitly stated, "We have a great board and God forbid if something happens, they’ll figure it out. I appoint my wife to run Turning Point USA if something happens to me. Erika would do a great job."
Just three weeks after this alleged recording, Kirk, at 31 years old, was shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University on September 10, according to the same report. Eight days following his death, Turning Point USA's board unanimously voted to appoint Erika Kirk as the organization’s new chief executive officer.
The decision by Turning Point USA not to publicly release the Aspen footage has ignited criticism and fueled conspiracy theories among some former allies and conservative commentators. Candace Owens, a former communications director for Turning Point USA, has been a prominent voice in this debate. On her podcast this week, Owens repeatedly questioned the authenticity of audio clips reportedly from the Aspen event and has publicly demanded that TPUSA release the full footage. According to the Daily Mail, Owens suggested that portions of the recording sounded artificial and claimed that releasing the full footage could resolve lingering questions surrounding Erika Kirk’s appointment as CEO. Owens also alleged that some donors present at the retreat did not recall Kirk publicly discussing succession plans that involved his wife.
However, the Daily Mail report also cites multiple donors and board members who contradict Owens's claims. These individuals confirmed hearing Kirk discuss Erika Kirk as his preferred successor during the Aspen gathering. Several Turning Point officials and allies further informed the outlet that succession discussions had occurred repeatedly over the years, a practice that became more frequent as Kirk's national profile grew and security concerns heightened.
Mike Miller, a Turning Point board member, told the Daily Mail that he had previously urged Kirk to establish both personal security protections and a formal succession plan, particularly after Kirk began receiving death threats. Miller recalled, "I said, Charlie, ‘God forbid something happens, what do you recommend that we do?’ He said, ‘Erika is very bright, she can handle it.’" Donald Trump Jr. also reportedly confirmed to the Daily Mail that Kirk had discussed the issue privately following the assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, further indicating Kirk's awareness of potential threats and the need for a succession strategy.
Turning Point USA has maintained its position not to publicly release the Aspen footage. The organization cites longstanding privacy policies that govern donor events and expresses concerns about potentially exposing attendees who participated in the gathering. The ongoing controversy highlights tensions within the conservative movement regarding transparency, organizational leadership, and the handling of a founder's legacy following a tragic and unexpected death. The debate continues to unfold as critics push for the video's release, while the organization stands firm on its current course.
