People think Charlie Kirk was racist because of multiple statements and actions attributed to him that were seen as racist or promoting racist ideas. Examples include:
- Kirk denied systemic racism and called white privilege a "racist idea," which critics interpret as dismissing real racial inequalities. He vilified critical race theory and showed open contempt for George Floyd, calling him a "scumbag".
- He made disparaging remarks about Black people, such as saying "If I see a Black pilot, I'm going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified,’” which has been widely condemned as racist.
- Kirk reportedly called gay and transgender people "groomers" and campaigned against gender-affirming care, fueling accusations of bigotry beyond just race.
- He expressed Islamophobic sentiments, for example linking Muslims and socialism negatively in a derogatory way.
- His organization, Turning Point USA, has been documented by the Southern Poverty Law Center as promoting rhetoric that frames immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and racial justice advocates as threats to "white Christian America".
- Some view his rhetoric as feeding division, fear, and reactionary anger in the US around race and identity issues.
These aspects of his public persona and rhetoric have led many people to label Charlie Kirk as racist or promoting racist and bigoted ideas. This perception was also reflected in public reactions after his assassination, with some calling out his speech as hateful and racist.
In summary, Charlie Kirk was considered racist by many because of his repeated dismissals of systemic racism, disparaging comments about Black people and minorities, Islamophobia, and promoting a white Christian nationalist narrative through his organization and public statements.
