Turning Point USA (TPUSA) CEO Erika Kirk has announced that the organization will persist with its campus debates across the United States, despite the recent assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, the founder of TPUSA. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” she expressed her determination to uphold his legacy, stating, “We are not afraid.” This commitment reflects her resolve to continue the “Prove Me Wrong” debate series, which has become a hallmark of TPUSA’s outreach efforts.
Charlie Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025, while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University. The event marked the beginning of TPUSA’s “American Comeback Tour.” Just moments before the tragic incident, Kirk was engaging with attendees under a white tent bearing the slogan “Prove Me Wrong.” His assassination occurred in what initially seemed to be a routine gathering, where he had built a reputation for hosting lively discussions and debates.
The impact of Charlie Kirk’s death reverberated through the conservative movement, a force he had significantly shaped over the years. He founded TPUSA as a teenager, dropping out of community college to establish the organization that would grow into a major player in American politics. By the age of 25, he was the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention, and by 31, he had built a political empire valued at approximately $95 million.
Kirk’s vision transformed TPUSA from a grassroots initiative into a potent nonprofit entity, with its revenue increasing dramatically from $2 million in 2015 to $85 million by 2024, as detailed in tax filings. This remarkable growth highlights the organization’s influence and the support it has garnered from prominent Republican donors such as Foster Friess.
In the wake of her husband’s passing, Erika Kirk has expressed a strong commitment to continue the work they started together. During her interview with Shannon Bream on Fox News, she emphasized the importance of maintaining TPUSA’s presence on college campuses, where they are witnessing a resurgence in chapter enrollments. This surge indicates sustained interest and engagement among conservative students across the nation.
As Erika Kirk takes the helm of TPUSA, she aims to foster the spirit of debate and discussion that Charlie Kirk championed. The organization’s dedication to promoting conservative values and engaging students in political discourse will remain a central focus moving forward. In her words, “I intend to carry forward Charlie’s legacy,” reinforcing her mission to inspire a new generation of conservative leaders.
The memorial service for Charlie Kirk drew an audience of approximately 90,000 attendees, one of the largest tributes ever held for a private citizen, reflecting the profound impact he had on American political life. As Turning Point USA moves ahead, it is clear that both Erika Kirk and her late husband’s vision will continue to resonate within conservative circles, ensuring that their message remains alive in the ongoing discourse on college campuses nationwide.
