Fox News delivered one of its strongest public rebukes yet of Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens on Thursday, condemning the conspiracy theories the two have helped fuel regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The sharp criticism came during Fox & Friends, immediately after the program aired Erika Kirk’s emotional interview in which she pleaded with commentators to stop exploiting her husband’s death.
Brian Kilmeade opened the segment by recounting a series of baseless claims circulating on prominent right-leaning podcasts — theories involving second shooters, altered timelines, and videos claiming a “military figure” appeared on a rooftop. “People are making money. They have unsubstantiated theories and are running with it,” Kilmeade said, calling out those profiting from speculation instead of respecting the grieving family.
Ainsley Earhardt directly addressed allegations suggesting Turning Point USA, or even foreign governments, were behind the killing. “The FBI never said this was an inside job. The FBI never said someone from Turning Point killed Charlie Kirk,” she said. Kilmeade added, “Or Israel killed him,” referencing one of the more extreme claims circulating online — a theory many critics connected to Carlson’s heavily scrutinized remarks at Kirk’s memorial service. Carlson, in that speech, spoke about powerful forces targeting “the guy telling the truth,” language Jewish organizations later said echoed antisemitic tropes. Carlson has not clarified those comments.
Earhardt reiterated what has been publicly confirmed: that the suspect had previously complained about Kirk’s rhetoric and allegedly confessed to his roommate. The co-hosts positioned their segment as an effort to push back against misinformation spreading rapidly among conservative influencers with massive online audiences.
Lawrence Jones closed with a pointed message for those fanning the flames of speculation despite claiming to have loved Kirk. “They already assassinated the man. Why would you want the grave to be destroyed?” he asked. Jones argued that true friends and allies should be protecting Kirk’s widow, not compounding her trauma. “When something happens to someone you love, you protect the widow and the kids. You don’t pour gasoline on the attacks being directed at them,” he said. Jones urged those who attended Kirk’s funeral to “stand up for her, if Charlie was your friend.”
Though neither Carlson nor Owens was mentioned by name, the implication was unmistakable. Owens has released multiple episodes accusing TPUSA staff of hiding information. Carlson has repeatedly suggested that hidden forces may have influenced the killing or its investigation. Neither returned requests for comment.
The exchange underscored a growing divide within conservative media. Traditional outlets like Fox News — with institutional ties to Turning Point USA and its youth network — are pushing back against the influencer-driven ecosystem that increasingly shapes online conservative discourse. Carlson and Owens operate independently of Fox but command enormous digital reach, often overshadowing cable news narratives. Their commentary has heavily influenced reactions to Kirk’s death, sometimes drowning out statements from TPUSA and the Kirk family.
The Utah murder case is ongoing, with the suspect expected to appear in court Thursday and prosecutors preparing additional filings. TPUSA has urged supporters not to spread speculation and will release further guidance as new information becomes public.
Carlson is set to release a new monologue Friday evening, and many expect a response. Fox News, meanwhile, appears ready to continue distancing itself from the conspiratorial rhetoric that has engulfed parts of the conservative media landscape in the wake of Kirk’s killing.
[READ MORE: JD Vance Shrugs Off Viral Photo Drama, Mocks Critics Speculating About His Marriage]
