Key Highlights
- Nick Fuentes is seen as a potential successor to Charlie Kirk in the wake of the latter’s assassination.
- The New York Times op-ed highlights how Kirk’s death marks a loosening of restraints on the right.
- Fuentes’ feud with Kirk dates back to 2019, when Groypers disrupted TPUSA events by asking controversial questions.
- A recent podcast monologue by Fuentes acknowledged Kirk’s influence but denied any involvement in his murder.
The Feud Between Charlie Kirk and Nick Fuentes
Amidst the ongoing political landscape, a long-standing feud between two prominent conservative figures has once again come to the forefront. This time, it is not just about personal differences but also revolves around potential leadership succession after one of their own was brutally killed.
The Assassination and Its Aftermath
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University. This assassination sent shockwaves through the conservative movement, leading to intense speculation about who might emerge as his successor.
In an op-ed published by The New York Times on November 3, 2025, Michelle Goldberg highlighted this transition, noting that Kirk’s death marked a significant loosening of restraints within the right-wing faction. According to the article, Kirk was still sometimes willing to police boundaries, but in his wake, there is little sense among prominent voices that these boundaries should be upheld.
The Rise of Nick Fuentes
Nick Fuentes, a far-right conservative and founder of the Groyper movement, has seen his profile rise significantly. In the week leading up to Kirk’s assassination, Fuentes was invited as a guest on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, signaling a potential shift in his influence.
Following Kirk’s death, Fuentes faced allegations that he or his followers were responsible for the murder. However, in a recent podcast monologue, Fuentes denied these claims emphatically, stating, “My followers and I are currently being framed for the murder of Charlie Kirk by the mainstream media based on literally zero evidence.” He further acknowledged Kirk’s significant impact within American conservatism, declaring that no one could fill his shoes.
The History of Their Feud
The origins of their feud date back to 2019 when Fuentes orchestrated disruptions at TPUSA events by having his followers ask controversial questions centered around LGBTQ rights, immigration, and U.S. relations with Israel. These actions aimed to expose Charlie Kirk as a fake conservative who did not support the extreme rightist agenda.
Fuentes’ efforts eventually led him and his supporters to be banned from most prominent conservative events. This ban further entrenched their differences and marked the beginning of a bitter rivalry that continued until Kirk’s assassination.
Implications for the Conservative Movement
The assassination of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent rise of Nick Fuentes signal significant changes within the American right-wing movement. As restraints continue to be loosened, it is clear that new leaders will emerge, likely reshaping political discourse and strategies.
In a statement to his supporters, Fuentes emphasized the importance of remembering Kirk’s legacy: “Charlie was ambitious, hardworking, and an undeniably towering figure in American conservatism. He did things that I couldn’t do, and no one can fill his shoes.” These words underscore the complexity of leadership succession within political movements.
The situation remains fluid as the conservative community grapples with Kirk’s death and looks to a new era under Fuentes’ potential leadership. As the landscape evolves, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to understand the history and implications of this ongoing conflict.
