Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) read past statements by Charlie Kirk during a House Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2025 [1].
The exchange occurred during a session focused on the conduct of the Southern Poverty Law Center. By presenting Kirk's previous remarks, Crockett sought to contextualize a resolution honoring the Turning Point USA founder and address concerns regarding the SPLC's alleged bias [1, 2].
Crockett said that reading the statements served to show how they align with the issues the committee was examining [1]. The congresswoman specifically linked her opposition to the resolution honoring Kirk to his history of rhetoric, saying that she voted against it because she believes Kirk specifically targeted people of color [2].
Discrepancies exist in reporting regarding the broader legislative response to the resolution. Crockett said she was hurt that only two white representatives voted against the resolution honoring Kirk [3].
This confrontation highlighted the ideological divide within the committee regarding the role of the SPLC and the public standing of conservative activists. Crockett used the hearing as a platform to challenge the narrative surrounding Kirk's influence and the nature of his public statements [1, 2].
“I voted against the resolution because I believe Charlie Kirk specifically targeted people of color.”
The clash between Rep. Crockett and the legacy of Charlie Kirk's rhetoric illustrates the ongoing tension in the U.S. House over how to define hate speech and institutional bias. By using a hearing on the Southern Poverty Law Center to scrutinize Kirk, Crockett shifted the focus from the SPLC's methodology to the behavior of the individuals the organization monitors.
