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Erika Kirk has been elected as the new CEO and chair of the board for Turning Point USA following the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, the founder of the organization. The board announced the decision on Thursday (September 18), highlighting that Charlie Kirk had expressed his desire for Erika to take on the role in the event of his death.
Erika Kirk, 36, has vowed to continue her husband's work, stating in a speech that "the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry." She is slated to deliver a keynote address at a public memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday (September 21), where President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other prominent political figures will also speak.
The board of Turning Point USA expressed confidence in Erika Kirk's leadership, stating, "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." The organization is committed to carrying on Charlie Kirk's vision and making it more powerful than ever.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, growing it into a major political force with a presence on hundreds of college and high school campuses. The organization is known for its alignment with the MAGA movement and its support for President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.