Charlie Kirk’s protege Brilyn Hollyhand sparks conservative backlash over private jet video

AUBURN, ALABAMA: Nineteen-year-old Brilyn Hollyhand, who was recently hailed as Charlie Kirk’s protege, has angered MAGA supporters with a video where he appears to be flying in a private jet.

He is amid his One Conversation at a Time tour, allegedly sponsored by the Kirk-founded organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA).

Hollyhand’s primary goal with this campus tour is to engage young people in politics and carry on the conservative icon's legacy. 

Brilyn Hollyhand faces backlash from conservatives for his lifestyle

Social media reactions took a sharp turn on Thursday, September 25, when a self-recorded promotional video on X (formerly Twitter) showed Brilyn Hollyhand sitting in a private jet and wearing a luxury watch.

One wrote, "A kid in a private jet on his way to tell people that life is hard," while another said, "I just flew here on my private jet. For my first topic. 'Minimum wage is fine at $7 an hour.'"

A person bluntly remarked, "Dear handlers for Brilyn Hollyhand, If you think this 19yo rich goober is going to resonate with absolutely anyone, You are more out of touch than you may think."

Apart from this, Nick Sortor, a prominent right-wing commentator, made a snide remark and wrote, "FYI: Turning Point USA is absolutely NOT sponsoring campus tours for young men flying around on private planes... Ignore the grifters."

Another self-proclaimed "MAGA Activist" wrote, "Do I need to look into this grifter? I think now that Con Inc is desperately trying to replace Kirk with whatever this person is pretending to be, we should know everything about him."

Laura Loomer defends Brilyn Hollyhand

While Brilyn Hollyhand has received a lot of backlash from conservatives, he has also garnered support from various personalities.

He found a notable defender in Laura Loomer, who is a close ally of President Donald Trump. 

She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "So many people hating on a young man simply because he wants to speak up and honor Charlie Kirk. Why are people so toxic? Don’t be so jealous of him because he comes from money and you don’t. You all know you’re only hating on this young man because he comes from money. Leave him alone."

Hollyhand also defended himself by tweeting that the plane belonged to a "hometown friend" and that he "couldn't afford" such an extravagant mode of transport.

"Ok I hear y’all! Lol glad the keyboard warriors are well! Yesterday I went from English class to a campus speech 10 hrs away. A hometown friend offered to help get me there because I couldn’t afford it. I’ll keep showing up to do the hard work on campuses and I hope y’all do too!" the 19-year-old political commentator wrote. 

Brilyn Hollyland's rise as a political commentator

Brilyn Hollyhand is the co-chair of the Republican National Committee's Youth Advisory Council. He is also the founder and publisher of The Truth Gazette, a conservative political website, which was launched as an email newsletter while he was in fifth grade in June 2017. He also hosts the 'The Brilyn Hollyhand Show' podcast, which is available on major platforms.

In 2024, Hollyhand released his first book, 'One Generation Away: Why Now Is the Time to Restore American Freedom', based on interviews with conservative political figures.

While Hollyhand has received criticisms but his popularity also continues to grow in conservative circles.