Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative organisation founded by Charlie Kirk, is facing internal divisions and questions over its future one year after his assassination.
Kirk was killed on 10 September 2025 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Utah.
Jeb Jacobi, a student and volunteer who witnessed the shooting, said the campus has felt permanently changed since Kirk’s death.
Surge in Interest After Kirk’s Death
Interest in Turning Point USA surged in the immediate aftermath of the killing.
The organisation said it received more than 32,000 inquiries from people seeking to establish new campus chapters within 48 hours of Kirk’s death.
However, some current and former members say that momentum has since slowed.
They point to disagreements between more moderate and more right-wing factions within the organisation. In Arkansas, one chapter changed its name after students became unhappy with the direction of the group.
Jacobi said TPUSA no longer has the same influence it had when Kirk was alive.
He believes other people can repeat Kirk’s conservative message but have struggled to match his ability to attract students to political debates.
Kirk’s Influence on Young Conservatives
Kirk became widely known for holding debates on university campuses, where he challenged people who disagreed with his political views.
His popularity among young conservatives, combined with his strong online presence, helped make him an influential figure within the Republican Party.
His supporters have portrayed him as a martyr for the conservative movement.
Critics, however, accused him of using confrontational debates to generate outrage and social media attention.
Political Tensions at Utah Valley University
Kirk’s death has also intensified political tensions at Utah Valley University.
Some students have protested against a campus memorial for Kirk and attempted to disrupt an event marking the first anniversary of his death.
Anthony Shinkle, another UVU student, said the shooting and its aftermath had made some conservative students afraid to express their views, while pushing others towards more extreme political positions.
Political scientist Mark Brewer said a loss of momentum was not unusual following the death of a movement’s central and charismatic leader.
However, he said Kirk’s influence and status among conservatives remained strong, creating a political “vacuum” within the organisation.
Erika Kirk Takes Over TPUSA
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has taken over as CEO of Turning Point USA as the organisation seeks to continue his work.
Among its initiatives is the Pick Up the Mic campaign, which sends student debaters to university campuses and high schools.
Macy Gunnell, who started a TPUSA chapter at St Mary’s College in Indiana following Kirk’s death, said the organisation remained strong despite claims that it was struggling.
Back at Utah Valley University, Jacobi also believes TPUSA can continue to grow.
He pointed to students who became involved with the organisation only after Kirk’s death as evidence that his influence continues to attract new supporters.
Charlie Kirk Murder Case
Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Kirk, is due to face trial after a Utah judge recently cleared the way for prosecutors to seek the death penalty.
Robinson has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and six other charges.
As Turning Point USA enters its second year without its founder, experts say its future will depend on whether it can maintain Kirk’s influence while managing divisions within the organisation.
