Turning Point USA Responds to Controversy Over Charlie Kirk Remarks

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet has responded to criticism from the “I’ve Had It” podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, as well as comedian Dave Chappelle, for making jokes about the murder of Charlie Kirk.

“We’re not asking people to, you know, be evangelical Christians here,” Kolvet said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “We’re asking don’t celebrate, condone or glorify political violence. Don’t be happy when someone’s assassinated. It’s a low bar.”

Last week, Welch and Sullivan faced backlash after laughing at a post that mocked Kirk’s murder, coinciding with celebrations of Democratic victories in the 2026 midterms. Following sponsor withdrawals, the hosts issued an apology. However, Welch clarified that the apology was “for us,” not for those offended.

“Pro-tip, an apology is for the other person,” Kolvet reacted. “It is for people that you’ve aggrieved and hurt. It’s not for you, unless you’re a narcissist,” he said.

Many sponsors pulled support from the “I’ve Had It” podcast after the incident went viral. Kolvet noted that neither he nor TPUSA initiated what he described as a “grassroots” boycott, yet he approved of the companies’ decisions to dissociate from the show.

“I’m generally not pro cancel culture, but I also believe that these brands get their own free speech,” Kolvet stated, emphasizing their right to avoid any association with the promotion of political violence.

Despite Welch’s unwillingness to meet with Kolvet, he expressed openness to a conversation, aiming for a constructive dialogue.

“My expectation for that is infinitesimally low, but certainly I would be open to that,” Kolvet claimed, adding that conversations serve as a release valve for cultural tensions.

Regarding Chappelle, Kolvet criticized a comment made by the comedian at Madison Square Garden where he stated he “feel[s] better” after Kirk’s assassination. Kolvet refrained from “speech policing” but found it inappropriate.

Kolvet recalled the national reaction to the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, pointing out the societal agreement on the seriousness of political violence. He used this historical perspective to highlight current social media reactions to such jokes.

Kolvet, reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s warnings against political violence, called for kindness and mutual safety among Americans, emphasizing non-violent cultural standards.