As the world prepares for Charlie Kirk’s funeral, there’s an elephant in the room: the future of his organisation, Turning Point USA.
Kirk, a right-wing activist, father of two, and close ally of Donald Trump, was an infamous commentator on issues such as trans rights, religion and gun control.
The conduit for his message was Turning Point USA, which claims to be the ‘largest Conservative student movement’ in the country, with groups of thousands of members across universities and high schools.
Kirk spoke passionately about conservative values on college campuses. He wrote five books and launching a podcast and YouTube channel that has amassed 3.8 million subscribers.
Turing Point USA (TPUSA), which was launched with the help of conservative businessman Bill Montgomery, was an extension of this passion.
But what did it really stand for? Here’s everything you need to know three minutes.
What is Turning Point USA?
At its core, TPUSA is an organisation that brings young Conservatives together at schools across America.
It was founded in 2012, shortly after President Barack Obama’s re-election.
According to its website, TPUSA is ‘Committed to identifying, educating, training, and organising students to promote freedom.’
It adds: ‘Since its founding, Turning Point USA has embarked on a mission to build the most organised, active, and powerful conservative grassroots activist network on high school and college campuses across the country.’
What are the values of Turning Point USA?
Development of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation, meaningful engagement in communities, and the restoration of ‘traditional American values like patriotism, respect for life, liberty, family, and fiscal responsibility’ are the core values of TPUSA.
The organisation also has three key beliefs, outlined on its website.
They are:
- The US Constitution is the most exceptional political document ever written.
- The United States of America is the greatest country in the history of the world.
- Capitalism is the most moral and proven economic system ever discovered.
Who will take over Turning Point USA?
Kirk’s widow, Erika, was announced as the new CEO of Turning Point USA just a week after his death.
In a statement, the organisation said: ‘It was the honour of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie’s side. Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one.
‘He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive even the greatest tests.
‘And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.
‘All of us at Turning Point USA have a special role in carrying Charlie Kirk’s mantle and completing his vision of bringing us all closer to our Lord and fostering a prosperous country for generations to come.
‘The attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.’
Did Candace Owens work for Turning Point USA?
Candace Owens, another right-wing figurehead, has been in the news recently for spreading conspiracies about her Kirk’s murder.
Owens was named as TPUSA’s director of ‘urban engagement’ in 2017, and eventually worked her way up to communications director.
During her time at the organisation, she grew incredibly close to Kirk, often sharing silly Snapchat videos and other behind-the-scenes glimpses of the organisation.
She left TPUSA in May 2019, moving on to work on books, podcasts, and other right-wing media.
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