Candace Owens Accuses TPUSA of ‘Witch Trials,’ Employee Surveillance
Candace Owens has publicly criticized Turning Point USA (TPUSA), accusing the conservative organization of mistreating its employees. Her claims emerged late January 2026, primarily from TPUSA’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Owens suggested that an internal culture of surveillance and intimidation was developing, particularly concerning employee loyalty. These actions reportedly stem from the controversial leadership change that followed the death of Charlie Kirk, with Erika Kirk now at the helm.
Candace Owens Accuses TPUSA of ‘Witch Trials’
Owens referred to the situation as the ‘Scottsdale Witch Trials’ in a post on social media on January 23, 2026. This term emphasized her belief that employees were being questioned about their support for Erika Kirk over their job performance. According to Owens, executives summoned staff members into discussions where they were pressed about their alliances rather than their work-related contributions.
Owens claimed the internal inquiries were based on rumors and hearsay. She suggested that such questioning fostered an environment of fear and uncertainty within the organization. The tensions reportedly escalated following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, putting employees under further stress.
Allegations of Targeting and Surveillance
In her accusations, Owens alleged that TPUSA management targeted employees deemed critical of Kirk. She detailed an incident where one staff member was interrogated based on unverified information related to an Uber driver and a senior executive’s family. According to her, Andrew Kolvet, a TPUSA executive, conducted this questioning despite the employee being bewildered by the claims.
Owens asserted that firings were executed abruptly, often without justification. In one instance, she mentioned that TPUSA’s legal counsel visited an employee’s home to terminate their position. Another employee, anticipating a discussion about bonuses, was instead dismissed unexpectedly, highlighting a troubling pattern within the organization.
Concerns Over Employee Monitoring
Additionally, Owens raised concerns about alleged monitoring practices, suggesting that employees feared surveillance on their company laptops. This anxiety reportedly arose after private communications emerged criticizing Kirk’s leadership. Although Owens noted that none of her direct sources had been terminated, she hinted that many others were let go during what she described as a managerial ‘clean-up.’
Video Evidence of Dismissals
Supporting her claims, Owens shared a video purportedly depicting a TPUSA employee’s dismissal. The recording, which circulated among conservatives, was said to show the emotional turmoil surrounding the firing. In the video, the employee repeatedly requested documentation for their termination, expressing confusion and frustration over the abrupt decision.
A spokesperson for TPUSA in the footage assured the employee that it was time to leave, without providing specific reasons. Witnesses described the situation as harsh, especially given the context of recent organizational turmoil. The organization has not formally acknowledged the actions depicted in the video, leaving many questions unanswered.
Owens’ allegations against TPUSA reflect deeper issues of workplace culture amidst a significant leadership transition. As this situation continues to unfold, the implications for both current employees and the organization’s reputation may be profound.
