Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative organization, has recently appointed Erika Kirk as its new CEO, following the tragic death of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
The organization has also reported a significant increase in student interest, indicating a new phase of growth and influence.
Charlie Kirk's untimely demise on September 10 sent shockwaves through the online community, with prominent figures such as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressing their sorrow over the loss of a conservative leader who had significantly influenced young Republicans.
Kirk, who founded TPUSA at the tender age of 18, had become a prominent figure in the movement, often engaging in viral campus debates on contentious issues such as abortion, free speech, and gender ideology.
David J. Blumberg, a PragerU board member and a longtime TPUSA advisory board member, reflected on Kirk's legacy in a conversation with the Daily Caller News Foundation. He said, "When Charlie would do these debates, remember he was really like Daniel into the lions den.
He went into places that were very hostile, and you would find those few students who were sort of, I dont want to say cowering, but they werent easily able to express themselves because of the social opprobrium." He further added, "So Charlie played a very important role."
Since its establishment, TPUSA has generated nearly half a billion dollars in revenue, expanded into high schools and colleges across the country, and grown its staff. However, with Kirk being so integral to TPUSA's identity, questions have arisen about the organization's survival following his death.
Alex Clark, a TPUSA contributor and friend of Kirk, shared her initial fears about the future of the organization. She said, "I was worried. The first thing when he was killed, I thought, Oh, no, people donate for Charlie. I think were all going to be unemployed. I was like, first of all, Oh, my gosh, were cooked. I love this company. I love this organization. Were going to be folding up."
Kirk's death came after his significant role in the 2024 presidential election, where Trump won both the Electoral College and popular vote. Kirk's TikTok, launched at the start of 2024, went viral multiple times and played a crucial role in boosting Trumps appeal among younger voters. CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten reported that Trumps support among 18- to 24-year-olds rose from 34% in 2016 to 43% by 2024.
In addition to his political work, Kirk became increasingly vocal about his faith and love for God. Clark noted that over the last three years, Kirk did a 180 and really only wanted to talk about his faith. She added, "It was really important to him to create the department Turning Point faith that we now have, which is focused on getting evangelicals out and voting. He really saw that as something super important."
Since Kirks assassination, TPUSA has seen a surge of new interest. The organization reported that it has received 62,000+ requests from high school and college students nationwide to start a chapter or join an existing one.
Clark expressed her surprise and relief at this development, saying, "Not only are we going to be OK, were going to be more than OK. People love Turning Point USA more than ever. And people want to carry on Charlies legacy more than ever. They care more about Turning Point now than maybe even before.
With this newfound momentum, TPUSA announced that Kirks wife, Erika Kirk, will serve as the new CEO. Erika moved the crowd to tears at her husbands memorial service in Arizona as she forgave his alleged shooter and delivered a powerful message to American families, including women. Clark believes this shift will define the organizations next chapter.
Despite the silence from Democrats on TPUSAs renewed growth and Kirks legacy, observers have noted potential repercussions for Democrats. Mark Halperin warned the party about the consequences it could face in the 2026 midterms and future elections.
Cliff Maloney, CEO of Citizen Alliance, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the warnings are not rumors but 100% truth.
Clark also said that TPUSA will not only move forward, but it will move forward with action. She warned, "You should be absolutely terrified. You guys are cooked. Youve already lost. You do not want this smoke."
She added, "This is going to be the greatest grassroots conservative movement-ever effort you have ever seen in our next election."
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