In what context did Charlie Kirk make the statement about Michelle Obama?

Checked on September 23, 2025
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1. Summary of the results

The statement in question refers to a claim made by Charlie Kirk about Michelle Obama, which has been analyzed by multiple sources [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. According to these analyses, Charlie Kirk made a statement about Michelle Obama, along with other prominent Black women, including Joy Reid, Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, claiming they did not have the 'brain processing power' to be taken seriously without affirmative action [1] [2]. The context of this statement appears to be an attack on affirmative action, with Kirk implying that these women only advanced by taking opportunities from others via affirmative action [3]. The statement was reportedly made on 'The Charlie Kirk Show' on July 13, 2023 [4]. Key points from the analyses include the specific women mentioned, the context of the statement, and the implications of Kirk's words.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide additional context, such as the fact that Kirk's statement was made on his podcast [1], and that he specifically named the women, claiming they had to 'steal a white person's slot' to be taken seriously [1] [4]. However, alternative viewpoints are also presented, such as the argument that Kirk's assertion implies a white supremacist ideology [5]. Furthermore, some analyses highlight the problematic nature of Kirk's statement, comparing it to 19th-century pseudoscientific rhetoric used to justify the abuse of Black people [5]. Missing context includes the potential motivations behind Kirk's statement and the impact of his words on the women mentioned and the broader community [1] [2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement lacks specific context and details about Charlie Kirk's claim, which could lead to misinformation or bias [1] [2]. Some sources suggest that Kirk's statement is problematic and reminds one of white supremacist ideology [5], which could indicate bias in the original statement. Additionally, the fact that some sources provide more context and fact-checking of the quote than others could indicate varying levels of bias [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. Key beneficiaries of this framing could include those who seek to criticize affirmative action and those who wish to promote a particular ideology [3] [5]. However, those who may be harmed by this framing include the women mentioned, as well as the broader community, who may be impacted by the perpetuation of problematic and biased rhetoric [5].

Want to dive deeper?
What were the exact words of Charlie Kirk's statement about Michelle Obama?
How did Michelle Obama respond to Charlie Kirk's statement?
In what event or interview did Charlie Kirk make the statement about Michelle Obama?
What were the reactions of other public figures to Charlie Kirk's statement about Michelle Obama?
Has Charlie Kirk made similar statements about other public figures in the past?