Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Goal: 1,000 supporters
Loading...

Fact check: Did Charlie Kirk say black women turned to affirmative action because they lacked brain power

Checked on September 13, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The claim that Charlie Kirk said black women turned to affirmative action because they lacked brain power is supported by multiple sources [1] [2] [3] [4], which quote Kirk as saying that black women, including Joy Reid, Michelle Obama, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, "do not have the brain processing power" to succeed without affirmative action, implying they "had to steal a white person's slot" [1] [2]. These sources suggest that Kirk's statement was part of his broader ideology and statements on various issues [5]. However, other sources [6] [7] [8] do not provide any information to support or contradict this claim, indicating a lack of comprehensive fact-checking on the matter.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the context in which Charlie Kirk made these comments [1] [2] [3], as well as the potential implications of his statements on the broader conversation about affirmative action and diversity [4]. Alternative viewpoints, such as those from fact-checking organizations [6] [7] [8], highlight the need for rigorous verification of claims, especially in the absence of direct evidence. Additionally, understanding the audience and purpose of Kirk's statements [5] could provide further insight into his motivations and the potential impact of his words. It is also important to consider the potential harm caused by such statements [1] and the need for nuanced discussions about affirmative action and diversity.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or lacking in context, as it does not provide a clear understanding of Charlie Kirk's overall ideology or the specific circumstances surrounding his comments [5]. The sources that support the claim [1] [2] [3] [4] may be selectively presenting information to emphasize Kirk's controversial statements, while sources that do not provide information on the claim [6] [7] [8] may be lacking in thorough fact-checking. Furthermore, the framing of the original statement may benefit those who seek to criticize Charlie Kirk's views [1], while potentially harming those who are impacted by his statements, including black women and marginalized communities [1].

Want to dive deeper?
What was Charlie Kirk's exact quote about black women and affirmative action?
How did Charlie Kirk respond to criticism of his affirmative action comments?
What is the current stance of Turning Point USA on affirmative action policies?
Have any prominent black women leaders publicly addressed Charlie Kirk's comments?
What are the implications of Charlie Kirk's statements on conservative views on affirmative action?