After years of liberal media smears and government overreach, a powerful new documentary exposes how the truth itself came under attack—and how one man’s stand for conservative values cost him his life.
The Weaponization of Narrative: How Lies Put Lives at Risk
The assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10 sent shockwaves through conservative circles worldwide, prompting senior Epoch Times reporter Joshua Philipp to investigate why so many media portrayals of Kirk diverged so drastically from reality. “Truth Under Fire: The Framing of Charlie Kirk” documents how Kirk was targeted by an ideologically hostile system determined to silence dissenting voices and intimidate Americans who dare stand for their beliefs. The film portrays Kirk’s death not just as a personal tragedy, but as a rallying cry for those who refuse to surrender their convictions under pressure.
🎬 It’s finally here. @JoshJPhilipp's new documentary, Truth Under Fire: The Framing of Charlie Kirk.
It's a tribute to those who refuse to be silent, and a reminder that integrity still matters.✨ Watch the world premiere free for 24 hours starting November 19 at 6 PM ET:
👉… pic.twitter.com/x3Ivx2X8gv— Crossroads with Joshua Philipp (@crossroads_josh) November 19, 2025
Philipp’s documentary draws from interviews with Kirk’s closest friends, Turning Point USA (TPUSA) colleagues, students, and international experts on disinformation. These sources detail the “disinformation machine”—a network of media outlets and organizations, sometimes funded by government grants, which systematically painted Kirk as a villain. Journalist Ashley Rindsberg describes how this machine constructs a “virtual reality” to convince the public that constitutional conservatives are extremists, eroding trust and stoking division. The film reveals that these narrative attacks are rarely based on fact but are amplified by digital platforms, making it harder for truth to break through the noise.
False Accusations and Media Manipulation: The Cost to Conservative Leaders
TPUSA and Kirk became regular targets for smears, often accused of racism or extremism based on twisted snippets or outright fabrications. Law professor Ronald Rychlak explains that these slanders gain traction when they contain just enough of a “grain of truth” to sound plausible, allowing critics to label opponents as dangerous “monsters.” The documentary highlights how Wikipedia and media outlets labeled Kirk with unsupported accusations, while ignoring his consistent calls for civil discourse and open debate. When pressed, Kirk’s detractors could not produce concrete evidence for their claims, illustrating the hollow nature of the attacks.
Influencer Benny Johnson, former TPUSA chief creative officer, describes how this dehumanization gives cover to those wishing to silence or even physically target conservative leaders. The assassination of Kirk, alongside the attempted attack on President Trump in 2024, is seen as a tragic consequence of these media-fueled narratives. Kirk’s commitment to truth and faith, in the face of repeated threats, set a standard for courage that his friends and supporters vow to uphold.
Standing Strong: Faith, Courage, and the Future of the Conservative Movement
Kirk’s closest allies, including TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet and Pastor Rob McCoy, emphasize that Kirk was nothing like the hateful caricatures presented by the media. Instead, he was guided by Christian faith and a belief in the power of honest conversation—even on difficult topics like crime statistics and family values. McCoy recalls Kirk as “the most honest and noble man” he ever met, whose mission was to disciple young Americans and blend faith with public service. Despite his introverted nature and the barrage of threats, Kirk never let fear overtake his resolve, inspiring those around him to speak boldly and defend the truth.
Even after Kirk’s tragic death, colleagues like Johnson and commentator Robbie Starbuck refuse to retreat. They argue that if conservatives yield to intimidation and allow false narratives to dominate, they effectively surrender the country’s future to destructive ideologies. The documentary concludes by urging viewers to remain vigilant, speak out against disinformation, and honor Kirk’s legacy by defending freedom of speech and constitutional liberties in the face of mounting pressure.
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Truth Under Fire: The Framing of Charlie Kirk