Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and widow of its founder, Charlie Kirk, has pledged to uphold the organization’s mission following her husband’s tragic assassination. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” she expressed her unwavering commitment to continuing TPUSA’s campus outreach initiatives, stating, “We are not afraid.”
The assassination of Charlie Kirk occurred on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University. This gathering was part of TPUSA’s “American Comeback Tour,” which aimed to energize conservative youth across the nation. Just moments before the fatal incident, Charlie Kirk engaged with the audience under a tent bearing the slogan “Prove Me Wrong,” taking questions from attendees who had gathered in large numbers.
Charlie Kirk was instrumental in shaping conservative youth politics in the United States. He co-founded TPUSA at the age of 18 after leaving community college and rapidly rose to prominence as a leading voice in the conservative movement. By 2016, he became the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention and solidified his reputation within conservative circles. Under his leadership, TPUSA evolved from a modest campus group into a significant political organization, boasting revenues that surged from approximately $2 million in 2015 to $85 million in 2024, according to tax filings.
In her interview, Erika Kirk emphasized the importance of continuing the legacy of her late husband, stating that the organization’s recent growth in campus chapter enrollments demonstrates a resilient spirit among conservative students. This momentum reflects a broader trend in which TPUSA remains a potent force on college campuses nationwide.
The memorial service for Charlie Kirk was attended by around 90,000 supporters, marking one of the largest gatherings for a private citizen in recent memory. Erika Kirk highlighted the emotional weight of the event, recounting how the support from attendees reaffirmed the impact Charlie had on many lives.
With backing from influential Republican donors like Foster Friess, Charlie Kirk transformed TPUSA into one of the fastest-growing conservative nonprofits in the United States. As Erika Kirk takes the helm, she is determined to carry forward the vision and values that her husband instilled in the organization, ensuring that TPUSA continues to challenge prevailing narratives and foster debate among young people.
As the organization moves forward, Erika Kirk’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. Her commitment to continuing the “Prove Me Wrong” debates and other outreach efforts signals a steadfast dedication to the principles of free speech and open dialogue that Charlie championed throughout his life.
