Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, has been named the new CEO and chair of the board of Turning Point USA, the conservative organisation announced on Thursday. Charlie Kirk, who co-founded the group in 2012, was shot and killed at an event last week. The organisation stated that he had previously expressed his wish for his wife to lead in the event of his death.
In a statement, Turning Point USA said: 'It was the honour 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 even the greatest tests. And now, it is our great pride to announce Erika Kirk as the new CEO and Chair of the Board.'
Erika Kirk holds a degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and a juris master’s degree from Liberty University. She is currently studying for a doctorate in Christian leadership and owns the faith-based fashion brand Proclaim Streetwear. She previously worked as an actor and model, won Miss Arizona USA in 2012, and played collegiate basketball for Regis University. She married Charlie Kirk in May 2021.
Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, transforming it into a prominent conservative organisation credited with inspiring young Americans to support Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. The group has faced controversies, including a 2017 New Yorker article detailing alleged discrimination against minority staff members.
A public memorial service for Charlie Kirk is scheduled for 21 September at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Expected attendees include Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump has announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
