Charlie Kirk Educates CNBC “Squawk Box” Hosts On American Distrust Of The Elite Ruling Class

On August 13, 2025, Charlie Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA and host of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” made a bold appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” delivering a sharp critique of the “economic ruling class” and defending President Donald Trump’s economic policies. The 17-minute segment, hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin, saw Kirk dive into topics ranging from Trump’s tariff strategy to the lingering distrust from the COVID-19 era, resonating with populist sentiments and stirring reactions across the political spectrum.

Kirk’s primary focus was Trump’s tariff policies, which he argued have been unfairly maligned by economists. Contrary to predictions of economic catastrophe, Kirk highlighted that tariffs have not triggered significant inflation and have instead positioned America as a central hub for global investment. He called for “contrition” from the economic elite, stating, “There was a major, catastrophic prediction… and we just haven’t seen that.” Kirk emphasized Trump’s use of tariffs as a negotiation tactic to secure trade deals with nations like Japan, the Philippines, and the European Union, citing recent successes and a 90-day tariff delay on Chinese goods as evidence of strategic flexibility.

Beyond economics, Kirk addressed the broader distrust in America’s “ruling class,” particularly their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized the lack of accountability for lockdowns, mask mandates, and school closures, which he claimed disrupted lives and crushed small businesses. “We have not received any apologies from the ruling class that lied to us repeatedly during COVID,” Kirk declared, linking this to a surge in populist anger, especially among young Americans. His remarks struck a chord with conservative audiences, with posts on X praising his “masterclass” in dismantling establishment narratives.

However, not all reactions were positive. Some X users expressed disappointment, accusing Kirk of pushing controversial views without sufficient pushback from the hosts. One post criticized his comments on COVID and Hunter Biden as lacking evidence, reflecting the polarized response to his appearance. Despite the divide, Kirk’s unfiltered style and focus on macroeconomic victories, like rising real wages and Apple’s $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, underscored his argument for a new balance between capital and labor.

Kirk’s “Squawk Box” debut was a microcosm of today’s political fault lines, blending economic analysis with populist fervor. Whether viewed as a truth-teller or a provocateur, his appearance undeniably sparked conversation, challenging viewers to rethink Trump’s policies and the credibility of America’s elites. For those seeking the full exchange, the interview is available on CNBC’s website, offering a front-row seat to Kirk’s unapologetic defense of a nationalist economic vision.