A prominent Scientologist was an early financial backer of Turning Point USA and attempted to recruit its late founder Charlie Kirk into the church, explosive new reports claim.

The allegations resurfaced this week after a church insider alleged Kirk once insisted a Scientology booklet had 'saved his life.'

The assertions, reported by veteran Scientology critic Tony Ortega on his blogThe Underground Bunker, centre on US technology entrepreneur Craig Jensen, a long‑standing member of the Church of Scientology, and raise questions over the extent of his relationship with Kirk and the influential conservative youth group he founded.

Discussion about Scientology's links to Turning Point USA emerged after right‑wing commentator Candace Owens claimed that one of the organisation's 'bigger donors' was a Scientologist. She did not name the individual or provide documentation for the claim.

Ortega said he later spoke to Joy Villa, a singer and former Scientologist who was once active in pro‑Donald Trump circles, about Owens' comments. According to Ortega's account, Villa told him Owens was likely referring not to a current major donor but to what she described as one of Kirk's 'early big funders,' Craig Jensen.

'Craig was heavy into trying to get Charlie into Scientology,' Villa is quoted as saying.

In material published by Ortega, Villa said she had previously contacted Jensen in 2017 to ask whether Kirk was aware of his Scientology ties. She supplied what she said was Jensen's emailed response, in which he allegedly confirmed Kirk knew of his membership in the church.

In the purported 2017 email, Jensen is said to have written that he met Kirk through a 'good friend' before hosting an event for him at his home. He also claimed to have arranged for Kirk to receive an 'OSA‑escorted tour of the Flag building.'

OSA refers to the Church of Scientology's Office of Special Affairs, which handles external affairs, including public relations and legal matters. The Flag building, in Clearwater, Florida, is Scientology's largest facility and serves as its spiritual headquarters.

'He was blown away!' Jensen allegedly wrote of Kirk's reaction to the tour. 'I gave him a copy of the 'Cause of Suppression' booklet, and he said later that it saved his life.'

Source: International Business Times UK