Multiple insiders and Turning Point USA board members have reportedly said co-founder and CEO Charlie Kirk had been explicit in discussions with several TPUSA executives that if he were to die or become incapacitated, he wanted his wife Erika to be named the non-profit organization's CEO and Board Chair.
Last Wednesday, the unthinkable happened when Charlie's life was cut short by an assassin's bullet.
On Thursday, the TPUSA board announced it had unanimously carried out Charlie's wishes — and the choice couldn't have been more perfect. So perfect, in fact, that I was just talking with my better half about the possibility (probability) that the radical left-wing haters will rue the day they took Charlie from us.
In a poignant post to X on Thursday, TPUSA wrote:
The Turning Point Board has unanimously elected Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death.
And "this" is what not only TPUSA got after Charlie's death, it's also what untold millions of faith-based conservatives across America — young and old — got.
The Turning Point Board has unanimously elected Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 18, 2025
In prior discussions, Charlie expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death. pic.twitter.com/PazORgiHWP
The incredible strength displayed by Erika, undoubtedly aided by her strong faith, has been truly incredible.
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Last Friday, just two days after her husband and the father of her beautiful children had been brutally murdered, Erika stepped up to a podium placed next to Charlie's vacant studio chair and told the world, in part:
Two days ago, my husband Charlie went to see the face of his Savior and his God. Charlie always said that when he was gone he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith. And one of the final conversations he had on this earth, my husband witnessed for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now and for eternity, he will stand at his Savior's side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr. Charlie loved life. He loved his life. He loved America. He loved nature, which helped him always bring him closer to God.
[...]
Charlie always said if he ever ran for office that his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority.
One of Charlie's favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:25. "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
My husband laid down his life for me. For our nation. For our children. He showed the ultimate and true covanental love. I will never, ever have the words to describe the loss that I feel in my heart. I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know that God does, but I don't. But Charlie, baby, I know that you do too, and so does our Lord.
And our world is filled with evil. But our God, you guys, our God is so good. He's so incredibly good. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.
[...]
To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will not die.
Our campus tour this fall will continue. There will be even more tours in the years to come. America Fest here in Phoenix this December will go on. It will be greater than ever. The radio and podcast show that he was so proud of, will go on. And in a world filled with chaos, doubt, and uncertainty, my husband's voice will remain. And it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.
Tough stuff. From an incredibly strong and beyond-determined young woman.
Erika Kirk just walked up to the camera and is absolutely crushed...
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 13, 2025
"Jesus..."
💔🙏
The country is with you. pic.twitter.com/ZoCm6TeRME
The letter included in the TPUSA post reads, in part:
It was the honor of our lives to serve as board members at Charlie's side. Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one. He worked tirelessly to ensure Turning Point USA was built to survive our greatest tests. And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board for Turning Point USA.
Sometimes, words are insufficient, but I'll try:
Godspeed, Charlie Kirk. And, as the board wrote in the letter: "May God Bless Erika, the Kirk family, and the entire team at Turning Point USA."
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