Charlie Kirk, the conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA, passed away tragically after being shot at a Utah Valley University event. Known for his controversial views, his remarks on issues like gun rights, race, and gender often made headlines. Here are 14 quotes from Kirk that continue to spark debates across the country.
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1. On Gun Control:
In 2023, Kirk stated that gun deaths are an inevitable cost of maintaining the Second Amendment. He believed that armed citizens would always face some risk.
“Having an armed citizenry comes with a price… but I think it’s worth it.”
2. His Views on Empathy:
On his radio show, Kirk expressed his dislike for the word “empathy.” He argued that it was a harmful, modern term.
“I can’t stand the word empathy, actually… it does a lot of damage.”
3. On Race and the 1940s:
During a debate on Jubilee’s Surrounded, Kirk controversially claimed that Black Americans were better off under Jim Crow laws in the 1940s.
“They were actually better in the 1940s.”
He later said that Black America had worsened over the years.
“Black America is worse than it has been in the last 80 years.”
4. On Abortion in Cases of Rape:
Kirk was asked what he would want his daughter to do if she were pregnant after rape. His response was clear.
“The answer is yes. The baby would be delivered.”
5. Transgender People and Gender Identity:
At a Turning Point USA event, Kirk made a comparison between transgender people and those wearing “Black face.”
“A man who calls himself trans is wearing ‘woman face.'”
6. On Affirmative Action and Black Women:
Kirk made headlines by calling Black women in politics “affirmative action picks.” He also suggested that they were not taken seriously otherwise.
“You had to go steal a white person’s slot to go be taken somewhat seriously.”
7. His Take on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship:
After Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, Kirk hoped it would make Swift more conservative. He urged her to submit to her husband.
“Reject feminism. Submit to your husband, Taylor.”
8. On Gun Control, Vaccines, and Masks:
Kirk linked gun control, vaccines, and masks, claiming that these policies take away freedoms while making people feel “safe.”
“Gun control, like vaccines and masks, is focused on making people feel ‘safe’ by taking freedoms away from others.”
9. Racism and Diversity:
After the tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk Army helicopter, Kirk made a controversial remark. He said that he would hope a Black pilot would be qualified.
“If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’”
10. Gen Z’s Success Metrics:
In response to a poll about Gen Z’s priorities, Kirk criticized Democratic women. He made a harsh comment about their future.
“Democrat women want to die alone without children.”
11. George Floyd’s Death:
Kirk spread misinformation about George Floyd’s death. He claimed it was caused by an overdose rather than police brutality.
“The cause of death was an overdose.”
12. On Retirement:
Kirk criticized the idea of retirement, saying it was unbiblical. He believed people under 45 should work longer.
“I’m not a fan of retirement. I don’t think retirement is biblical.”
13. On LGBTQ+ Rights:
During Pride Month, Kirk misquoted Bible passages to justify his anti-LGBTQ+ views. He claimed homosexuality was a sin punishable by death.
“Thou shall lay with another man, shall be stoned to death.”
14. His Views on the Role of Women in Society:
Kirk’s remarks on traditional gender roles caused controversy. He believed women should reject feminism and submit to their husbands.
“Engage in reality more… Reject feminism. Submit to your husband, Taylor.”
