The Washington Post faced criticism on social media this week after highlighting a column about Erica Kirk’s fashion choices. On January 8, the paper published an article titled “Erica Kirk walks a fine line in sparkly pantsuits,” which focused on the clothing choices of the CEO of Turning Point USA following the tragic death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, last year.
Kirk, a mother of two young children, seems to maintain her role in public life while also emphasizing traditional values surrounding marriage and motherhood. The article suggested that her current styling resonates with career women and feminists alike. “It’s not just about being perceived as a woman; she understands the need to fit into the mainstream to be taken seriously,” commented Washington Post fashion writer Ashley Fetters Malloy.
However, when the column was promoted on social media on January 10, many users reacted negatively to the phrasing used in the post. It read: “Column: Erica Kirk, a mother of two young children, continues to take on public leadership duties while promoting the traditional idea of prioritizing marriage and motherhood. Here’s how her attire attempts to walk in the same line.” This wording sparked further outrage.
Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema remarked, “No matter how loud I scream, this situation will never end.” Meanwhile, Jack Posobiec, a friend of the Kirk family, pointed out that Erica’s focus on marriage is overshadowed by the loss of her husband due to a violent act, stating, “These people will never stop attacking the Kirk family.”
Axios reporter Mark Caputo recalled a long-standing guideline in journalism cautioning against gendered descriptions of women’s clothing. He noted, “I’ve been reporting for a quarter of a century, but I still remember when I first started working at a daily newspaper, I had to read a style guide that specifically warned reporters to be very careful when describing details about women’s clothing because it could be considered sexist.”
Critic Jason Lantz questioned, “How is this going to be printed?”
Conservative party founder Jamie Franklin added that while some lament the challenges women face in America, it is conservative women who seem to bear the brunt of harsh scrutiny based on their looks and opinions. This sentiment echoed throughout many reactions on social media.
After her husband’s death, Erica Kirk took on the role of CEO at TPUSA. The Washington Post has yet to respond to requests for comment.
