Charlie Kirk began plotting a way to mold young minds into conservatism at an age when he was still sorting out his own path. Looking to channel his political inclinations into action after a rejection from West Point, Kirk was 18 when he launched a grassroots organization from an Illinois garage that would grow alongside the rise of President Donald Trump and fuel the 'Make America Great Again' movement.
Kirk admitted later he had 'no money, no connections and no idea what I was doing' when he started Turning Point USA in 2012. However, his rhetorical gifts for countering progressive ideas by inflaming cultural tensions and making provocative declarations instantly resonated with college audiences during the Obama years and Trump’s presidency.
As video clips of his campus appearances spread online, it helped secure a steady stream of donations that transformed Turning Point into one of the country’s largest political organizations, attracting young people to star-studded gatherings and making it a significant presence at high schools and colleges.
“No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump said on Wednesday after Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a college in Utah.
In the early stages, Kirk described his group as a student organization that advocated for free markets and limited government. He needled peers who bashed capitalism yet 'shamelessly enjoy the fruits of the free market,' like Starbucks, Amazon, and Netflix. Over time, Turning Point began holding mass rallies that drew thousands of young voters to hear top conservative leaders, including Trump, speak on glitzy stages.
Kirk's influence didn't fade with time; he used his platform to mobilize youth support for Trump, arguing that Gen Z could not afford to see another Democratic administration. His rhetoric resonated with many young conservatives who felt disconnected from liberal ideologies.
Several young politicians credit Kirk with inspiring or boosting their public careers. Kirk’s legacy may continue to ripple through the political landscape for years to come. Following his death, many young conservatives reflected on how he shaped their views and involvement in politics, with outpourings of grief and admiration from those who admired his passion and commitment to conservative values.
