Candace Owens has become a significant figure in the American political landscape, particularly through her YouTube presence and provocative commentary. As a conservative commentator, author, and activist, she has garnered both admiration and criticism for her views on race, politics, and culture. This article explores her journey, her impact on YouTube, and how her influence continues to shape political discourse in the United States.
The Rise of Candace Owens
Candace Owens was born on April 29, 1989, in Stamford, Connecticut. She rose to prominence through her YouTube channel, where she voiced her opinions on various social and political issues. Her early content often criticized liberal ideologies and the perceived victimhood mentality among minority communities. Owens became known for her sharp critiques of the Black Lives Matter movement, arguing that it did more harm than good for the African American community.
Her work on YouTube allowed her to reach a wide audience, and she quickly built a following. In 2018, she joined Turning Point USA as the communications director, which further expanded her platform. That same year, she launched the #Blexit movement, encouraging black Americans to leave the Democratic Party. The movement resonated with many who felt disillusioned with the existing political structure.
Controversies and Public Discourse
Owens has not shied away from controversial topics. In 2021, she faced backlash for her comments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter. Despite the controversy, she remains a sought-after speaker and continues to participate in high-profile discussions, including appearances on major media outlets.
In 2025, Owens claimed that former President Donald Trump personally called her and asked her to stop alleging that French First Lady Brigitte Macron is transgender. According to Owens, Trump told her he had seen Brigitte up close and was convinced “she looked like a woman.” This claim sparked significant debate and added to the controversies that have defined her career.
Legal Challenges and Defamation Lawsuit
Owens has also found herself in legal trouble. In a recent development, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte filed a defamation lawsuit against her over her repeated claims that the First Lady of France is a transgender woman and “was born male.” The Macrons have publicly called these allegations false and defamatory.
This legal battle adds to a long list of controversies that have defined Owens’ public career, including incendiary remarks on race, gender, and global politics. Her rapid rise as a young, Black woman within conservative circles has drawn attention, given that these demographics have historically allied with the Democratic Party.
Background and Early Career
Owens, 36, was raised in Stamford, Connecticut, mostly in low-income housing, and has described her upbringing as “dysfunctional,” according to a profile by The New Yorker. Her grandfather often told stories of growing up Black in a pre-Civil Rights Movement America, including violent encounters with the White supremacist hate group, the Ku Klux Klan. These stories shaped her views, and Owens has cited this for her skepticism towards claims that white nationalism continues to be a pervasive threat in modern America.
She enrolled at the University of Rhode Island to study journalism but left before completing her degree. Owens spent her twenties as an intern and fashion assistant at magazines like Vogue and Glamour.
The ‘Social Autopsy’ Project and Political Turn
In 2016, Owens announced SocialAutopsy.com, a site aimed at exposing online harassment by creating a public database of alleged abusers. Critics accused her of proposing doxxing, or revealing personal information about someone. The crowdfunding campaign for the site was suspended, and Owens later said the backlash convinced her that “liberals were actually the racists.”
This shift coincided with the political rise of Donald Trump. With the growth of “alternative” media sources catering to right-wing audiences, she launched a YouTube channel under the name Red Pill Black. Owens quickly gained attention for her critiques of the Democratic Party and progressive politics. Her assertive articulation and engagement with popular topics (including Hollywood films and celebrities) have been credited for her popularity.
Conspiracy Theories and Political Stances
Owens has been linked to the promotion of multiple conspiracy theories over the years, including against vaccines. She has also echoed false claims questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 US presidential election. Some of her theories include:
- In December 2021, Owens interviewed Trump, who defended the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. She later said, “People oftentimes forget, like, how old Trump is. He comes from a generation… before Internet, before being able to conduct their independent research.” Trump was reportedly upset with her, but she eventually returned to supporting him.
- Owens co-founded the “BLEXIT” (Black Exit) movement in 2018, encouraging Black Americans to leave the Democratic Party, which she accuses of taking Black voters for granted. At The Daily Wire, she produced a documentary critical of George Floyd, whose murder in 2020 triggered protests against racial injustice. She, however, chose to focus on his personal history and past arrests.
- In 2018, responding to a question about nationalism, Owens said, “If Hitler just wanted to make Germany great… OK, fine,” adding that the problem was his expansionist ambitions. The comment, which omitted mention of the Holocaust, drew criticism across the political spectrum.
Split with The Daily Wire
Owens has faced criticism for remarks seen as insensitive towards Jewish people and for questioning US support for Israel, which is not a traditionally held Republican view. These tensions played a role in her 2024 public split with The Daily Wire. Owens wrote that she did not believe “American taxpayers should have to pay for Israel’s wars or the wars of any other country.”
She also referred to “political Jews” and “a very small ring of specific people who are using the fact that they are Jewish to shield themselves from any criticism.” She has called Israel a “terrorist state” committing a “genocide and a holocaust on the Gazan people,” further accusing Trump of being influenced by pro-Israel political donors.
Conclusion
Candace Owens has undeniably carved a unique niche within the political landscape, prompting discourse and encouraging engagement from diverse groups. Her influence, particularly among younger demographics, signals a shift in how conservative voices are shaped and perceived in America. As she continues to navigate the complexities of the public realm, her journey will likely remain a focal point in discussions around politics, race, and culture.
The significance of her work cannot be understated, as it represents a critical viewpoint in an increasingly diverse political dialogue. As we move forward, observing the evolution of her ideas and impact will be crucial for understanding the changing dynamics within modern conservatism.
Author: John Doe
Title/Role: Senior Political Analyst
Credentials: John Doe is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering political developments in the United States. He has contributed to major publications such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Profile Link: www.johndoe.com
Sources:
– The New Yorker
– The Western Journal
– The Daily Wire
Related Articles:
– The Impact of Conservative Commentators on US Politics
– Understanding the BLEXIT Movement
– Controversies in Modern Political Commentary
Call to Action: Stay updated with the latest news and insights on political commentary in the United States. Explore today’s headlines and join the conversation.
About The Author
More Stories
US Trending News: 50s Hairstyles: Classic Styles That Still Trend Today
US Trending News: 67 Emote Clash Royale QR Code: How to Use and Where to Find It
US Trending News: Affiliate Secrets Review