Charlie Kirk’s Widow Elected as CEO of Turning Point USA

Erika Kirk has been appointed as the new leader of Turning Point USA, the conservative political organization co-founded by her late husband, Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during a university event in Utah last week.

Turning Point USA announced on Thursday via X that its board of directors had unanimously chosen Erika Kirk as chief executive officer and chair of the board. The group noted that Charlie Kirk had often expressed his wish for his wife to assume leadership in the event of his death.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist and close ally of former US President Donald Trump, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. Over the years, he built the organization into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in the United States, with a strong presence in universities and schools nationwide. He also became a major figure on social media, reaching millions through his online platforms and popular podcast.

Since his death, high-profile conservative figures, including Trump’s former adviser Steve Bannon and Vice President JD Vance have used Kirk’s platform to address his audience, with some referring to him as a Christian martyr.

Turning Point USA has since launched fundraising campaigns and called for increased political engagement, underscoring its intention to continue Charlie Kirk’s legacy under Erika Kirk’s leadership.