Fox News hosts have criticized Tucker Carlson and other conspiracy theorists for spreading unverified claims about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This marks an unusual public disagreement between the network and its former primetime host.
On the December 11, 2025, broadcast of “Fox & Friends,” host Brian Kilmeade criticized those profiting from conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death. The 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA was shot fatally in the neck on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The FBI identified the shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah.
Kilmeade interrupted his co-host when she mentioned various unproven theories circulating online, such as claims that Israel or Turning Point USA’s leadership were involved in the incident. “People are making money off the fact that they have unsubstantiated theories, and they’re running with it,” he said during the segment.
Co-host Ainsley Earhardt supported this point, highlighting that investigators have not backed these claims. “Yeah, these are these have not been proven. The FBI has never said this is an inside job,” she stated.
The criticism seemed mainly directed at Carlson, 56, who left Fox News in 2023. While he has not directly accused Israel of involvement, he has suggested foreign actors may have been involved in silencing Kirk. Carlson made indirect references to this during a eulogy at Kirk’s memorial service.
At the memorial, Carlson likened Kirk to Jesus, describing him as someone who speaks truth to power and draws the ire of those in authority. He stated, “They just go bonkers. And they become obsessed with making him stop.”
The Anti-Defamation League criticized these remarks, stating they reinforced an antisemitic myth that Jews were responsible for Jesus’ death, a belief that has historically led to violence against Jews.
In recent public comments, Carlson expressed skepticism about federal investigators handling the case, noting his lack of confidence in the FBI. His doubts reflect broader conspiracy narratives that have gained traction among certain conservative commentators since Kirk’s death.
Conservative podcaster Candace Owens is another vocal proponent of alternative theories, suggesting involvement by Turning Point USA’s leadership and the U.S. Military. Her claims have clashed with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, 37, who now leads the organization.
Erika Kirk addressed these conspiracy theories during a Fox News appearance, expressing frustration over the ongoing speculation. She described it as righteous anger and referred to the theories as a “mind virus,” affirming her confidence in the judicial system and her team working on the case.
She revealed that the conspiracy theories have led to numerous death threats against her team. “We have more death threats than I have ever seen, including kidnapping threats,” she stated, adding that her team is exhausted.
Erika Kirk has been criticized for her public role since her husband’s death. She defended her decision to remain visible and lead Turning Point USA, stating that she will not retreat from public life. “If people think she was just going to wilt away, they are mistaken,” she said.
The disagreement between Fox News and conspiracy theorists highlights a rare moment of tension within conservative media. Carlson, who once hosted the network’s highest-rated evening program, is now at odds with his former employer regarding his approach to Kirk’s assassination.
Tyler Robinson is scheduled to appear in court. Meanwhile, Carlson took Kirk’s place at an Indiana University event on October 21 for Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour, demonstrating his continued influence in conservative circles despite the controversy over his recent remarks.