
A leaked Zoom call is stirring major controversy inside conservative circles after audio surfaced of Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk discussing merchandise sales and event metrics less than two weeks after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated. The clip, which quickly spread across social media, has sparked heated debate over leadership tone, public grief, and the optics of running a political powerhouse in the middle of tragedy.
The recording was released by conservative commentator Candace Owens, who shared excerpts on YouTube and other platforms. According to Owens, the internal meeting took place just 11 days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Rather than focusing solely on mourning, the conversation reportedly centered on the success of a large memorial event and a surge in merchandise sales.
In the audio, Erika Kirk is heard thanking staff and praising what she described as massive attendance and overwhelming support. She reportedly called the memorial gathering “the event of the century” and highlighted what she framed as extraordinary momentum for the organization. At one point, she referenced merchandise sales exceeding 200,000 units, noting that the numbers were climbing rapidly. She also commended multiple departments for working around the clock to execute the event.
Critics, however, say the tone of the call is what has ignited backlash. Owens described the mood as unusually upbeat given the circumstances, arguing that discussing sales figures and organizational metrics so soon after an assassination felt jarring. A particular moment that drew attention was when Erika Kirk reportedly remarked, “My husband’s dead, not to be morbid,” before pivoting back to operational updates—an exchange that fueled online criticism.
The fallout has divided observers. Some argue that organizational leadership requires steady communication and strategic planning, even during grief, especially for a national political movement. Others say the emphasis on merchandise performance and donor engagement created an uncomfortable contrast with the tragedy that preceded it. Social media platforms have been flooded with debate, with supporters defending Kirk’s professionalism and detractors questioning the optics.
Turning Point USA has not officially confirmed or denied the authenticity of the leaked recording, and Erika Kirk has not directly addressed the criticism surrounding the call’s tone. Meanwhile, the public feud between Owens and Kirk appears to be escalating, adding another layer of drama to an already volatile situation. The controversy serves as a reminder of how quickly private conversations can become headline news—especially in today’s hyper-polarized political landscape.