Founding of Turning Point USA

Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in suburban Chicago in June 2012, shortly after his high school graduation. 

Co-founder: He established the organization with the assistance and mentorship of Bill Montgomery, a 71-year-old restaurateur and Tea Party activist who handled much of the initial paperwork.

Mission: The organization's stated mission is "to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government" on high school and college campuses. Kirk aimed to create a conservative counterpart to liberal activist groups like MoveOn.org.

Early Growth: The organization was initially funded by conservative donors, including a $10,000 check from investment banker Foster Friess, who Kirk met at the 2012 Republican National Convention. 

Charlie Kirk's Role and Legacy

Kirk became one of the most prominent voices in the conservative movement, especially among young people, leveraging his platform to support Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. 

Activism Style: He was known for touring college campuses, hosting informal debates, and using social media effectively to spread conservative messaging and challenge progressive ideas.

Expansion: Under his leadership, TPUSA grew into a large, well-funded political machine with thousands of chapters across the country and affiliate groups such as Turning Point Action and Turning Point Faith.

Assassination and Succession: Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Following his death, his widow, Erika Kirk, was unanimously elected by the board to succeed him as CEO of Turning Point USA.