Turning Point USA Names Erika Kirk CEO After Husband’s Assassination

Turning Point USA has announced that Erika Kirk, widow of murdered conservative leader Charlie Kirk, will step in as the organization’s new CEO and chair of the board of directors.

The decision was unanimous. In a statement posted to X, TPUSA revealed that Charlie himself had expressed his desire for Erika to take over should anything ever happen to him.

Kirk, just 31 years old, was assassinated on September 10 while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University. His death shocked the conservative movement and cast uncertainty over the future of the grassroots powerhouse he founded.

The board’s statement made clear they see Erika as not only Charlie’s successor, but as the torchbearer of his vision:

“It was the honor 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’s our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.”

The board added that Erika’s leadership will continue her husband’s mission of faith, patriotism, and revival:

“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. As Charlie always said, ‘We have a country to save.’ We will not surrender or kneel before evil. We will carry on. The attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.”

The announcement concluded with a prayer: “May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at Turning Point USA.”

Trump to Speak at Public Memorial

Charlie Kirk’s life will be honored at a public memorial service on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Tens of thousands are expected to attend.

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other conservative leaders will deliver tributes.

The memorial website describes Kirk’s legacy this way: “Charlie Kirk’s life was a testament to faith, courage, and conviction. From his earliest days, he believed America was worth fighting for, and he dedicated every moment of his 31 years to that cause. He lived with eyes fixed on eternity, grounded in the truth of God’s Word, and driven by a calling bigger than himself.”

A Movement That Won’t Die

Founded in 2012, Turning Point USA quickly became the nation’s largest conservative youth movement, reaching hundreds of college campuses and millions online. Many feared the group’s momentum would collapse in the wake of Kirk’s assassination. But insiders say Charlie left the organization prepared for the fight ahead.

“Charlie built this with God at the center,” one TPUSA official said. “Now Erika will make sure his mission doesn’t just survive — it expands.”

Meanwhile, the investigation into his assassination continues. Utah prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson with aggravated murder, and he could face the death penalty if convicted.

For Turning Point USA and the millions Charlie inspired, the mission is clear: the man may be gone, but his movement will endure.