On a cool October evening in the suburbs of Phoenix, capital city of the US state of Arizona, a young ultra-conservative influencer turns his mic on and welcomes the viewers flocking to his TikTok live stream. Thanks to everyone moderating the chat!” Carson Carpenter, a 21-year-old political science graduate from Arizona State University (ASU) is welcoming participants for an online discussion entitled, “Liberals debate me one-on-one”. The style of the debate is inspired by Charlie Kirk, a leading figure among ultra-conservative youth who was fatally shot at a speaking event at Utah college on September 10, 2025.
Read moreCharlie Kirk: Trump's fiery far-right 'youth whisperer' “TikTok live streams aren’t my favourite thing, but at least they bring in a lot of people. There are also a lot of trolls or people who attack me, but that’s part of the game,”Carpenter said with a wry smile, describing his stance as “Jesus First and America Only”. The debate topic for the evening is particularly explosive: the alleged drugging and gang rape of a female student at Cornell University in 2024by seven fraternity members.
When an online user joins the discussion on the microphone, Carpenter, in the style of Kirk, immediately attacks him. American content creator Carson Carpenter, known by the username @kingcarson05 on TikTok, during a live stream from his home in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, on October 9, 2026. © Barbara Gabel, FRANCE 24 Carpenter then accuses the mainstream media of having “protected” the victim. The exchange grows increasingly tense as the disagreement unfolds before hundreds of viewers.
Live on air, allegations of gang rape are reduced to a series of provocative questions, in which participants are invited to take sides. Indeed Carpenter, who has amassed some 19,000 followers on TikTok, has now mastered the mechanics of these online confrontations. He asks controversial questions, takes assertive stances, and finds ways to put his opponents on the defensive.
He uses precisely the same debating tactics that far-right influencer Kirk popularised on American college campuses with his “Prove Me Wrong” concept, inviting students to challenge his ideas on camera. The most incendiary clips would then go viral. Read moreMan accused of killing Charlie Kirk to face murder trial and possible death penalty As former president of the ASU chapter of the “College Republicans”, Carpenter worked closely with Kirk, founder of the powerful ultra-conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA.
Members and supporters of Turning Point USA pray together in Paradise Valley Park in Phoenix, Arizona, on October 10, 2026. © Barbara Gabel, FRANCE 24 The day after his TikTok live stream, Carpenter left his recording studio to head to Paradise Valley Park, in the northern part of Phoenix. He is part of the “CleanUp America” tour organised by Turning Point USA, which carries out a cleanup effort followed by a community festival. In Phoenix, where Turning Point USA was co-founded by Kirk in 2012, the festival is a must-attend for local young conservatives.
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