Turning Point USA on Wednesday confirmed that Erika Kirk, widow of the organization’s late founder Charlie Kirk, has been unanimously elected as its new CEO and Chair of the Board, fulfilling what the board of directors said was her husband’s expressed wish in the event of his death.
In a press release posted to X on September 17, Turning Point USA’s board appointed Erika Kirk the organization’s new leader. “It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie’s side,” the statement read. “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 is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.”
The release, signed by board members Doug De Groote, Mike Miller, Tom Sodeika, and David Engelhardt, noted the decision was unanimous. The accompanying caption added, “In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death.” The announcement also invoked the slain founder’s motto, “We have a country to save,” and pledged that “the attempt to destroy Charlie’s work will become our chance to make it more powerful and enduring than ever before.”
Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action, also voiced support in a post to X: “This was what Charlie hoped for and wanted and he said so numerous times. Erika is one with Charlie and Charlie is one with Erika. We will put all force of Charlie’s spiritual, intellectual and activist capital into supporting her in every way possible. God Bless @MrsErikaKirk!”
The transition comes one week after Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.” Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and other offenses, including felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors stated this week they will seek the death penalty, and on Tuesday a Utah judge issued a protective order barring Robinson from contacting Erika Kirk.
Since the assassination, Erika has become the public face of the organization, delivering her first public speech in which she vowed to continue her husband’s mission. Speaking from his Phoenix studio last Friday, she declared, “No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever. My husband’s mission will not end, not even for a moment.” In another address, she promised, “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.”
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