Wajahat Ali faced bipartisan outrage after accusing Erika Kirk of using her husband’s death to promote Turning Point USA.
Liberal commentator Wajahat Ali drew sharp backlash after accusing Erika Kirk of exploiting the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, to promote his conservative group, Turning Point USA.
Erika Kirk is using her husband's death to promote Kirk's vehicle of hate, Turning Points USA.
Fascinating to watch this right now.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) September 13, 2025
“Erika Kirk is using her husband’s death to promote Kirk’s vehicle of hate, Turning Points USA,” Ali wrote on X Friday. “Fascinating to watch this right now.”
The remark came as Mrs. Kirk, appearing beside her late husband’s podcast chair in Phoenix, delivered an emotional address. Fighting tears, she thanked President Donald Trump, calling him a loyal friend of her husband. “Mr. President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him, too,” she said.
Ali’s post was swiftly condemned by public figures. Commentator Mary Katharine Ham called it “monstrous,” while musician John Ondrasik said, “The beauty of free speech is that it allows us to see the soulless.”
A widow for TWO DAYS and this. Monstrous. https://t.co/1zARAxLCp2
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) September 13, 2025
I remember when everyone rallied around your sick child – people of all walks of life. Now, you’re cruelly dunking on a WIDOW and mother of TINY BABIES. Have you learned nothing from the generosity of spirit from your fellow human beings? Touch grass. https://t.co/wn4TLzYiOT
— Ellen Carmichael (@ellencarmichael) September 13, 2025
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, remains in custody.