By Baylor University

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APFILE – Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives at the Turning Point Believers’ Summit, July 26, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University, had become one of the most influential young leaders in right-wing American politics over the past decade. Kirk, 31, was an energetic member of President Trump’s inner circle, known for his abilities as a speaker, fund-raising capabilities and loyalty to the president.Turning Point USA founder had White House accessA political organizer and podcast host who appealed to young conservatives and wealthy Republicans alike, Kirk accrued political power despite never having held office or worked on a campaign. In interviews for a New York Times Magazine profile published in February, Kirk said he had visited the White House “a hundred-plus” times during Trump’s first term.Also read: Trump releases video statement on Charlie Kirk assassinationKirk was an early champion of JD Vance as a running mate for President Trump. After the 2024 election, Kirk became part of an intimate group of advisers vetting prospective White House appointees for loyalty.Trump remembers Charlie Kirk as ‘great guy’Following the shooting, Trump called Kirk “a great guy from top to bottom” on social media. Kirk was married to Erika Frantzve, a podcast host and former Miss Arizona who owns a faith-themed streetwear line. He lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife and their two young children.While Kirk had previously argued for a secular approach to politics, in recent years he increasingly invoked Christianity in speeches and podcasts.Live EventsClose relationship with Trump familyKirk was also a close friend of Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son. The two traveled to Greenland in January to publicize the incoming president’s proclaimed intent to acquire the Arctic territory. At a private party at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia two days before Trump’s inauguration, the president’s son described Kirk onstage as “one of the true rock stars of this movement.”In January, Kirk, along with his wife and children, went to Washington for Trump’s second inauguration.Charlie Kirk’s early life and political originsKirk grew up in Prospect Heights, Illinois, an affluent Chicago suburb. His mother was a counselor at a mental health clinic, and his father was an architect whose firm designed the Trump Tower in New York. He was accepted by Baylor University but never attended, instead turning his attention to politics.Kirk showed interest in politics during high school, having been a fan of Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh headlined one of Kirk’s events in 2019 and donated money to his cause.Turning Point USA growth under Charlie Kirk leadershipAt age 18, Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization that attracts tens of millions of dollars in donations. The organization now has chapters at more than 850 colleges that register students to vote and bring conservative speakers to campus. Wednesday’s event at Utah Valley University, which drew at least 1,000 people, was the first stop of a tour organized through Turning Point.Also read: Social media platforms implement content policies following Charlie Kirk shootingIn July 2016, Kirk became the youngest speaker at the Republican National Convention at age 23. Three years later, he founded a political action organization, Turning Point Action.Charlie Kirk organization revenue growthIn recent years, Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action have grown exponentially, going from total revenue of $4.3 million in 2016 to $92.4 million in 2023, with the vast majority from donations.Media career made Charlie Kirk millionaireBeyond his close ties to Washington, Kirk was a charismatic figure on TV and online. Through his podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” speaking appearances and book sales, he became a millionaire. He often cast liberal views as extreme, calling Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “a bad guy” and labeling Kamala Harris as “Kamala the Communist.”One of his projects, the Professor Watchlist, aimed to expose “radical” academics, including those critical of his work.Controversial statements drew Charlie Kirk criticismKirk was accused of antisemitism, homophobia and racism, having blamed Jewish communities for fomenting hatred against white people, criticized gay rights on religious grounds and questioned the qualifications of Black airline pilots.Also read: Trump’s close ally Charlie Kirk fatally shot in act of ‘political assassination’ at Utah collegeCharlie Kirk maintained Trump loyalty through presidencyOver the years, Kirk’s loyalty to the president had not appeared to waver. When Trump’s support in the Republican Party was flagging after he lost the 2020 election, Kirk visited Mar-a-Lago in February 2021 and was photographed smiling alongside Trump. After Trump was elected for a second term, he expressed gratitude to Kirk for “what he’s done with the young people.”Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
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