Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, turned down a significant funding offer from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this year, a close friend revealed. Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday at age 31 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, had reportedly grown wary of Israel’s influence, describing Netanyahu as a “bully” pushing the US into Middle East conflicts.
The friend, speaking anonymously to The Grayzone, said Kirk’s doubts about Israel deepened amid the Gaza war, which has killed over 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials. In June, Kirk privately warned President Donald Trump against US military strikes on Iran, a move Israel supported to target nuclear sites.
Kirk argued it would alienate Trump’s “America First” supporters, who oppose new foreign wars. Trump reportedly reacted angrily, cutting off the conversation.
Tensions escalated after Kirk hosted a panel at Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit in July, featuring Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and comedian Dave Smith. The speakers criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and raised unverified claims linking Jeffrey Epstein’s activities to Israel’s Mossad.
The event sparked outrage among pro-Israel donors, who sent Kirk angry messages accusing him of betraying their cause. Kirk felt “frightened” by the backlash and saw the funding offer as an attempt to control his organization’s stance.
Kirk’s death is under investigation as a possible politically motivated shooting, with a suspect in custody and the FBI leading the probe. No evidence directly ties the funding dispute or donor backlash to the killing, but the claims have fueled online speculation.
President Trump called Kirk “legendary” and ordered flags at half-mast, while Netanyahu praised him as a “friend of Israel.”Kirk, a prominent conservative voice, had long supported Israel but faced criticism for past comments on Jewish donors. His friend said he was frustrated by what he saw as excessive Israeli influence in US politics, including over Trump’s circle through donors like Miriam Adelson.
The revelations highlight divisions among US conservatives over Israel’s role in Gaza and broader foreign policy, as Kirk’s shift strained ties with longtime allies.
