Erika Kirk to Have ‘Private Discussion’ with Candace Owens

In a move that could defuse one of the most dramatic conservative media rifts in recent memory, Erika Kirk, the widow of murdered conservative icon Charlie Kirk, will sit down privately today with commentator Candace Owens after weeks of escalating tension and accusations.

The scheduled in-person meeting—confirmed by Erika in a statement on X (formerly Twitter)—comes amid rising public criticism, internet conspiracy theories, and an apparent fallout between two once-close conservative powerhouses.

“Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15,” Kirk posted on Sunday evening. “@RealCandaceO and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation. Thank you.”

Kirk and Owens were once seen as ideological allies in the MAGA movement—both frequent guests on Fox News, outspoken on cultural issues, and vocal supporters of President Donald Trump, who returned to the White House in January.

But everything changed after Charlie Kirk’s shocking assassination in September, an event that stunned the nation and left Erika widowed with two young children and a movement in mourning.

In the weeks following Charlie’s death, online conspiracy theories exploded, with some fringe voices suggesting foul play from inside the conservative movement itself—a claim Erika has flatly rejected.

Though Owens has not explicitly supported those theories, her commentary, livestreams, and interviews with skeptics have been viewed by many in conservative circles as deeply insensitive at best and incendiary at worst.

During a CBS town hall, Kirk publicly snapped at the growing wave of speculation.

“Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop,” she said, her voice trembling.
“When you go after my family… my Turning Point USA family, my Charlie Kirk Show family… and you’re making hundreds of thousands of dollars going after the people I love—because somehow they’re in on this? No.”

Kirk reiterated that message on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” earlier this month, where she called the conspiracy content “evil,” adding:

“We have grieved publicly and privately. But the harassment hasn’t stopped. And to see other conservatives monetize that pain is disgusting.”

Owens, once a TPUSA insider, has not publicly apologized but agreed to the private sit-down in what insiders say was “heavily mediated” by mutual contacts in the conservative space. Sources close to Owens say she is eager to clear the air—though she reportedly has no intention of issuing a retraction.

One senior GOP media strategist, speaking on background, said:

“This is bigger than Erika and Candace. The movement is fractured right now. People are choosing sides. If they can find common ground, it sends a signal. If not, it only deepens the divide.”

Since taking over Turning Point USA, Erika Kirk has been laser-focused on preserving her husband’s legacy—leading rallies, appearing alongside faith leaders, and even pushing for “Charlie’s Law,” a bill aimed at online harassment protections.

Her rising profile has made her one of the most visible women in conservative politics, second only to figures like Lara Trump and Kayleigh McEnany.

“I didn’t ask for this role,” she said during a speech in Phoenix last month. “But I will honor the man who gave everything for this country—and I won’t let his name be dragged through the mud.”

What happens behind the doors of today’s meeting may never be fully known—but its ripple effect could reshape the tone of conservative media in the months to come.

For now, the political and cultural right is holding its breath, waiting to see whether two of its most influential voices can reconcile—or whether this rift becomes permanent.