The conservative youth movement, co-founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012, is experiencing unprecedented growth. Following Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, Turning Point USA has been overwhelmed with over 62,000 requests from high school and college students eager to establish or join chapters, as announced by the organization on X.
This surge in interest is truly remarkable. In a mere eight days, TPUSA saw more than 62,000 new inquiries, building on the 54,000 received in the initial six days after Kirk’s passing. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show and a TPUSA spokesman, described this outpouring of support as “miraculous.” He highlighted that supporters were channeling their energy into prayer, sign-ups, and donations, rather than destructive actions.
Erika Kirk Takes the Helm
Charlie Kirk, it appears, had always considered an unexpected leadership change. Prior to his death, he had prepared his wife, Erika Kirk, for such a role, expressing confidence that “Erika could handle” the responsibilities she now shoulders. Immediately following his assassination, TPUSA’s board officially appointed her as CEO and Chair. They affirmed their dedication to continuing Kirk’s mission, asserting that “the attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.” This collective statement from board members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt emphasizes the organization’s unwavering commitment and strength.
In her first public address since this profound loss, Erika Kirk vowed to honor and expand the TPUSA movement. During a Friday night livestream, she passionately declared, “I promise I’ll make Turning Point the biggest thing this nation has ever seen. I promise Charlie.”
A Movement Ignited by Young Americans
Established in 2012, Turning Point USA had already cemented its role as a leading force in conservative youth activism, boasting a presence on approximately 3,500 campuses before Kirk’s death. The organization currently maintains around 900 college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters. The recent surge of 62,000 requests indicates a monumental shift in engagement, inspiring students across the nation to actively embrace Kirk’s vision. Kolvet noted that this event has deeply motivated young people nationwide. Beyond new sign-ups, TPUSA has received hundreds of job applications, with students and supporters eager to volunteer, work without pay, or otherwise dedicate themselves to the organization’s objectives.
Charlie Kirk’s Enduring Legacy
Kirk’s impact transcended mere statistics. At just 31, he gained recognition for his compelling campus debates and captivating demeanor, successfully merging activism with political enlightenment. His ambitious yet straightforward vision for TPUSA involved nurturing a community of politically aware students, instilling conservative values, and amplifying young voices. In the period following his death, this vision has taken on an unprecedented momentum. A celebration of Kirk’s life is planned for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, with notable figures such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard slated to speak.
Despite the recent tragedy, TPUSA’s annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix this December is set to continue as scheduled. Kolvet even suggested that the organization’s growth might intensify, stating, “Turning Point’s not going anywhere. Turning Point, I think, will probably actually get significantly larger in the wake of what happened to Charlie.”
The Power of Numbers
The sheer volume of new interest vividly illustrates the profound impact. Before Kirk’s assassination, TPUSA was active on approximately 3,500 campuses. Now, thousands more students are actively seeking to establish new chapters, make donations, or contribute in various capacities. Kolvet underscored the significance of this overwhelming response on X, proclaiming, “Charlie’s vision to have a Club America chapter in every high school in America will come true much, much faster than he could have ever possibly imagined. This is the Turning Point.”
The movement’s swift expansion highlights TPUSA’s influence and its extensive appeal to young Americans. The developments following Kirk’s death have ignited passionate involvement and discussions across campuses nationwide, signifying a transformative period for both the organization and the wider scope of youth political engagement in the United States.