Report Reveals Cause Of TPUSA Firings After Erika Kirk Skips Alternative Super Bowl Halftime Show

Leaders at Turning Point USA publicly celebrated what they framed as a cultural victory on Super Bowl Sunday, after the organization’s alternative halftime show garnered nearly 20 million YouTube views.

The performance, positioned as a rebuttal to Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language halftime spectacle, quickly gained traction among conservative audiences.

But behind the celebratory tone, sources say TPUSA has been consumed by an internal crisis that erupted in the aftermath of founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September, one now resulting in firings and alleged growing mistrust inside the organization.

Insiders claim the organization has been infiltrated by individuals who seek to dismantle it, leaking information to fuel conspiracy theories.

Sources said Turning Point USA is facing an internal crisis as it faces leaks and conspiracy theories

Woman holding microphone and smiling on stage discussing TPUSA staff firing after Erika Kirk skipped halftime show.

Image credits: Caylo Seals/Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail, multiple sources they described as “well-placed” inside and outside TPUSA say leadership has identified what they believe to be internal leakers funneling sensitive material to outside figures hostile to the group.

While online speculation claimed that dozens of employees were terminated, one insider pushed back. 

“Online rumors that 30–40 employees were fired are laughably untrue and false,” the source said. “It’s more like 3–4.”

Woman with long blonde hair speaking at podium, related to TPUSA staff firing and alternative halftime show controversy.

Image credits: Terry Pierson/MediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise via Getty Images

One of those dismissed was PR staffer Aubrey Laitsch, who released a nearly 13-minute video on X after being fired for allegedly criticizing her bosses to an Uber driver – an accusation she denied.

“I have a gut feeling that I was terminated from Turning Point because I am questioning the narrative of what happened to my role model and CEO, Charlie Kirk, on the day of his assassination,” Laitsch said.

Social media post about Erika Kirk watching the Bad Bunny halftime performance, related to TPUSA staff firing controversy.

Group of performers in white outfits playing percussion instruments at an alternative halftime show with flags in the background.

Image credits: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

Within minutes, her claims were amplified by influencer Candace Owens, who wrote, “One of the fired employees from Turning Point USA speaks out about the organization’s new direction!”

Owens has repeatedly clashed with TPUSA since Kirk’s passing, promoting conspiratorial theories suggesting internal and international coordination behind the incident.

Influencer Candace Owens has been instrumental in the dissemination of theories that seek to harm Kirk’s movement

Stage setup with large screens and performers during TPUSA alternative halftime show event with dramatic lighting effects.

Image credits: turningpointusa

Following Kirk’s assassination, his widow, Erika Kirk, was overwhelmingly voted in as CEO to guide the organization through its transition. According to insiders, Owens immediately began positioning herself as a destabilizing force, questioning Erika’s leadership and circulating inflammatory narratives.

Kid Rock performing on stage with American flag backdrop and fireworks during a live music show for TPUSA event.

Image credits: turningpointusa

In mid-December, the two women held a four-hour private meeting that was initially described as productive.

That truce collapsed days later when Owens publicized a leaked Zoom recording showing Erika addressing distraught TPUSA staff shortly after her husband’s homicide.

Owens characterized the video as proof of what she had been saying, describing Erika as “giddy” and mocking her reference to Charlie Kirk’s public funeral as “the event of the century.”

Comment by Steve Langley discussing TPUSA show compared to an iPad used at restaurants to avoid toddler meltdowns.

Three musicians playing electric guitars on a stage with colorful lights and laser beams, TPUSA staff fired report context.

Image credits: turningpointusa

An internal source confirmed the recording was authentic and believed it was deliberately leaked after the recent firings.

“The leaks have been confirmed and verified,” the source said. “The presumption is that they didn’t share it before they were fired because they knew it looks really bad to attack a widow for thanking her team.”

No formal misconduct allegations were leveled against Laitsch, but insiders believe the firings were directly tied to concerns over loyalty and information security.

TPUSA is allegedly under attack from an internal faction that believes the organization is compromised

This is not an easy video to post.

I was let go from Turning Point USA, and while I’m grateful for the opportunities I had, I can’t ignore what I witnessed. Especially how employees are treated and the direction the organization is moving in.

I’m not here to be bitter. I’m here… pic.twitter.com/rEzr3IPlDk

— Aubrey Laitsch (@AubreyLaitsch) February 5, 2026

This was not the first internal leak linked to Owens. Days after Kirk’s passing, a private text message exchange surfaced showing him venting about donors threatening to pull a $2 million contribution over his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

“I cannot and will not be bullied this week,” Kirk wrote.

Comment by Romona Bratcher discussing a possible Olympics attendance with JD Vance in an online chat.

Couple dancing passionately at a crowded stadium event, capturing moment after alternative halftime show controversy.

Image credits: NFL

Turning Point confirmed the messages were authentic and said they were handed over to the Justice Department as part of the homicide investigation. How they later reached Owens remains unexplained.

A source claiming to be a close confidante of Kirk believes the leaks point to deeper ideological fractures within TPUSA itself.

“It absolutely seems to me that Candace Owens has numerous close sources inside TPUSA,” the associate told the Daily Mail.

“This is hardly surprising, as Groyper ideology has unfortunately seeped in and influenced much of TPUSA in recent years.”

Woman speaking during a TPUSA internal call discussing staff firing after Erika Kirk skipped alternative halftime show.

Image credits: SwordTruth

The term Groypers refers to a set of political beliefs that criticize the perceived prevalence of what they call “Jewish influence” in media, finance, foreign policy, and conservative institutions.

For this reason, Groypers are critical of mainstream conservatism, labeling them “controlled opposition.”

The associate warned that the organization is approaching a breaking point.

“Bottom line: TPUSA is in real trouble following Charlie’s assassination,” they said. “They need to figure out and clarify who exactly they now are and what exactly they now stand for.”

“Grifting.” Netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on TPUSA’s situation

Comment by Rebecca Ga explaining why Erika Kirk skipped alternative halftime show, related to TPUSA staff firing news.

Comment by Lorraine Groom about expectations for a Wonder Woman costume in a humorous online discussion.

Screenshot of a social media comment about halftime vs temper tantrum related to TPUSA staff firing report

Screenshot of a social media comment by Randy Roberts reacting humorously to the TPUSA staff firing situation.

Comment by Kelly Dotson on social media discussing grifting and referring to a merry widow in a lighthearted tone.

Comment from Jacquelyn Jones about merch table numbers, displayed in a Facebook-style chat bubble on a light background.

Comment by Judy Dunbar about personal reaction to a family member traveling, discussing emotions in a casual online post.

Comment on social media post reading Probably with her new boyfriend about TPUSA staff firing after Erika Kirk skipped alternative halftime show.

Screenshot of a Facebook comment discussing Erika Kirk and the controversy involving TPUSA staff firing.

Comment by William Scarborough discussing surprise at Erika Kirk skipping alternative halftime show, related to TPUSA staff firing.

Comment from JRodrell Marable discussing Erika Kirk and her absence from the alternative halftime show.

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