The New York Times corrects its report on the late Charlie Kirk, admitting it misquoted him on an antisemitic remark as a debate rages about his legacy.
The New York Times issued a correction on Thursday after it wrongly attributed an antisemitic statement to the late Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. The correction came as part of the paper’s coverage following Kirk’s assassination, which has sparked a debate about his political views and legacy.
The Times had initially reported that Kirk stated on his podcast in 2023 that Jewish communities were “pushing the exact kind of hatred against whites” that they wanted people to stop using against them. However, Kirk was actually quoting a social media post and proceeded to critique it, clarifying that not all Jews held such beliefs.
READ :“We Got Him” Utah Officials, FBI Detail Confession, Evidence In Charlie Kirk Assassination
He did, however, argue that some Jewish communities and donors had supported left-wing causes, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, which he viewed as pushing “anti-white” sentiment.
The Times’ correction acknowledged this, stating, “He was quoting a statement from a post on social media and went on to critique it. It was not his own statement.”
Despite the correction, the article continued to assert that Kirk had been “repeatedly accused of antisemitism.”
This claim was made even as the report noted his staunch support for Israel and praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called Kirk a “lionhearted friend of Israel” and a “once-in-a-generation” figure.
READ :A “Shining” Apology: Stephen King Walks Back False Claim On Charlie Kirk After Backlash
The controversy highlights the contentious nature of Kirk’s public commentary, which often drew criticism from progressive groups. The article also mentioned his conservative positions on issues like gender ideology, climate change, and race.
Kirk’s death has brought renewed attention to his remarks on Jewish donors and their support for certain political causes.
He had previously stated that “Jewish donors have been the No. 1 funding mechanism of radical open-border, neoliberal, quasi-Marxist policies, cultural institutions and nonprofits,” and that “Jews have been some of the largest funders of cultural Marxist ideas.” These statements have been cited by some, including progressive sites like Snopes, as examples of engaging in antisemitic tropes.
The New York Times’ correction has fueled a backlash on social media, with many criticizing the paper for its initial misrepresentation of Kirk’s comments.
Kirk was fatally shot during a visit to Utah Valley University on Wednesday, with a suspect later captured in connection with the assassination. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from conservative leaders and a public reckoning with the impact of his political activism.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
