The American conservative landscape has been rocked by another significant departure as firebrand commentator Candace Owens has officially severed ties with Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA.
The split comes after months of mounting tension between Owens and the organisation's leadership, primarily stemming from her increasingly public criticisms of former President Donald Trump.
A Growing Rift Within Conservative Ranks
Sources close to the situation reveal that Owens' exit follows a period of intense internal disagreement. The commentator had been openly challenging Trump's stance on various issues, particularly his approach to COVID-19 vaccines and what she perceived as insufficient conservative credentials.
This ideological divergence created an irreconcilable conflict with Kirk, who has remained one of Trump's most loyal supporters and frequently defends the former president against criticism from within conservative circles.
The Final Straw
According to insiders, the breaking point came when Owens began directly attacking Trump during her public appearances and social media posts. Her criticisms extended beyond policy disagreements to personal assessments of Trump's leadership style and political strategy.
One source noted that Kirk found Owens' public opposition "increasingly difficult to reconcile" with Turning Point USA's mission and its steadfast support for the Make America Great Again movement.
Organisational Response and Future Directions
In a statement, Turning Point USA acknowledged Owens' departure while emphasising their continued commitment to "advancing conservative principles on college campuses and beyond." The organisation stopped short of detailing the specific reasons for the split.
Owens, known for her provocative commentary and substantial social media following, has yet to announce her next professional move. Her departure represents the latest in a series of high-profile splits within conservative media and political organisations.
Broader Implications for Conservative Unity
Political analysts suggest this development highlights ongoing tensions within the Republican party between traditional Trump loyalists and voices advocating for what they describe as a more principled conservative approach.
The Owens-Kirk split underscores the challenges facing conservative organisations in maintaining unity while accommodating diverse viewpoints within their ranks, particularly as the 2024 election cycle approaches.
