Erika Kirk draws scrutiny with 'young white male man' remark at Arkansas TPUSA event

WASHINGTON, DC: Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk sparked debate this week over her remarks at the Governor's Mansion with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. They were promoting a plan to grow conservative student groups in schools.

At one point during her speech, Kirk seemed to use the phrase “young white male man,” and many thought it sounded awkward. 

It wasn’t clear whether she was referring to a specific race, focusing on White men, or simply misspeaking. Either way, it sparked debate, with videos of her comments circulating widely on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. 

Erika Kirk’s remarks at the Arkansas event

It all started on Wednesday, March 11, when Erika Kirk joined the group for a press conference. They announced a new initiative and signed a proclamation encouraging high schools and colleges across the state to start chapters of Turning Point USA's Club America. The program aims to promote conservative values, free speech, and student activism.

During the event, Governor Sanders praised Kirk for inspiring young people to get involved in politics. In her speech, Kirk said, "Don't let anyone disenfranchise you because you're a young man, especially a young white male man. Don't ever let anyone talk down to you. We need strong men out there, strong men who are convicted that will be good leaders, good husbands, good fathers."

She also encouraged young women to take leadership roles while staying true to their values. However, her remarks, particularly the phrase “young white male man,” quickly caught the attention of social media users.

Erika Kirk’s 'young white male man' remark draws scrutiny

Critics reacted quickly to Erika Kirk’s comments about young White men. They said it seemed unfair and focused too much on one race. Some think she might have just meant “male man” instead. Some questioned what her message meant for young people of other backgrounds.

"Hold up. Now Erika Kirk is only championing a young white mailman? Who is this mailman? Is he the one that made her cry?" one quipped. 

"Maybe this was the mailman she meant," another user remarked, attaching a picture of a White mailman. 

A critic wrote, "A young white male man.’ Erika, honey, the third 'man' was really the cherry on top of this identity politics sundae. I didn't realize being a 'white male man' was a protected category now, but I guess when you're the CEO of Turning Point, every day is an audition for the 'Most Disenfranchised' award. Maybe focus on a dictionary instead of a 'men-only' recruitment drive?"

"Why are so many on the right trying to start a race war?" one more expressed. 

"It’s the “male man” for me. What other kind is there???" a person asked, tagging Kirk. 

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