Turning Point, the conservative organisation founded by Charlie Kirk, is expanding its influence in Australia by targeting schools and elections. The group, known for its hard-right politics and close ties to Donald Trump, aims to mobilise low-turnout voters through a new mobile app and a strategy focused on churchgoers and hunters.
In meetings with Republican leaders, Turning Point representatives have emphasised Trump's endorsement of their get-out-the-vote effort and urged local officials to adopt their app. Critics, however, question the effectiveness of this approach, arguing that it alienates swing voters and relies on untested methods.
The group's strategy has faced scepticism, particularly in Arizona, where Republicans lost key races in 2022. Turning Point has since acknowledged past failures, including amplifying false claims about mail-in voting, and has launched a $108 million campaign to boost turnout in swing states.
Despite raising tens of millions of dollars, Turning Point's track record remains a point of contention. Republican strategist Tyler Montague criticised the group's focus on the MAGA base, stating, 'They literally don’t know what to say to a swing voter. They alienate these people.'
Turning Point's efforts are part of a broader push to elect Trump, involving 30,000 campaign volunteers and outside groups like Elon Musk's America PAC. The outcome in battleground states could hinge on mobilising thousands of infrequent voters.
