After years of complaints from the right about “cancel culture” from the left, some conservatives are seeking to upend the lives and careers of those who disparaged Charlie Kirk after his death. They’re going after companies, educators, news outlets, political rivals and others they judge as promoting hate speech.

A campaign by public officials and others on the right has led just days after the conservative activist’s death to the firing or punishment of teachers, an Office Depot employee, government workers, a TV pundit and the expectation of more dismissals coming.

 

Associated Press reporter Josh Boak says some conservatives see Kirk as a free speech champion and are using similar tactics they once criticized.

 

“We've kind of seen a resurgence of cancel culture. That's that same concept that some liberals used previously that Republicans objected to,” Boak said.

 

This situation highlights the nation's political divisions and the role of social media in fueling outrage.

 

Some Republicans blame traditional media for contributing to a toxic political climate.

 

On Monday, Vice President JD Vance hosted the Charlie Kirk show and had on Stephen Miller as a guest.

 

“We've had Trump say that he's already launched major investigations into liberals. JD Vance hosted Kirk's podcast today. He had guests like Stephen Miller, and they all said they're looking to crack down on these groups in the wake of Kirk's death,” Boak said.