A year after the killing of its founder, Turning Point USA shows signs of continued expansion on campuses while also facing internal divisions, leadership questions, and splinter groups formed by former members.
Turning Point reports large membership and chapter growth in 2025–2026, claiming over a million students across thousands of high school and college clubs.
Some former and current student leaders say the movement lacks a single successor to Charlie Kirk’s campus reach, prompting splits and new organizations.
The movement’s internal divisions mirror broader Republican tensions and create uncertainty about how young conservatives will organize ahead of 2028.
# Summary
Charlie Kirk's death on the Utah Valley University campus a year ago produced an immediate surge of activism among young conservatives. Turning Point USA reported increased interest and expansion across high schools and colleges for the 2025–2026 academic year. Yet students and former chapter leaders describe a more complicated picture: growth on paper alongside fractures on the ground and questions about leadership and direction.
# Background
# Organizational shifts and numbers
Turning Point released a fact sheet saying it saw "unprecedented expansion" in 2025–2026: the group claims involvement of over a million students, more than 3,500 high school clubs, and about 1,500 college chapters. Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet described the organization as "still growing in nearly every conceivable way" while also conceding it faces "a confluence of challenges."
# Leadership and direction
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, has assumed the role of CEO and publicly framed the post-shooting period as a moment of unleashed momentum. For many students, however, Charlie Kirk's presence on campuses was singular. Some say there is no equivalent figure who combines campus visibility and the same direct line into party leadership.
# Fractures among students
# Political implications
Supporters credited Kirk with helping deliver increased youth support for Donald Trump in 2024 and described him as a conduit between young activists and the administration. With Kirk gone, Turning Point's influence in Republican circles and its role as a pipeline for youth sentiment are in flux. The organization and its chapters must navigate the same policy and personality divides that are shaping the Republican Party.
# What to watch next
# Bottom line
One year after Charlie Kirk's death, Turning Point USA projects expansion and momentum, but student organizers and former members describe an unsettled movement. The organization's future will depend on whether it can convert reported numeric gains into cohesive leadership, stable local chapters, and a clear direction that resonates with young conservatives.
In the aftermath of Kirk's death, Turning Point has faced some headwinds, including conservative influencers warring over his legacy.
The death of Charlie Kirk was seen as a rallying call for young conservatives. One year later, the movement is wrestling with questions about its future.
The conservative group’s leaders still grapple with grief. But they also have a mission: 2028.
Turning Point USA has expanded its campus presence, even as Trump’s support among young men has fallen.
Thursday marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of beloved conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Kirk was just 31 years old on September 10, 2025, when he was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University. 'The movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen.' The UVU event was
"I visit college campuses so you don't have to," said Charlie Kirk at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. On the one-year anniversary of his assassination at Utah Valley University, his speech gave voice to the aspirations of young conservatives and rallied them to Trump's side. The post Charlie Kirk’
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