Charlie Kirk, the founder of the right-wing youth group Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has lost a key mentor following a scandal that has rocked the organisation. The mentor, who has not been named, resigned from TPUSA amid allegations of misconduct, according to sources close to the group.
TPUSA, which has grown from its campus origins into a formidable pro-Trump force, has faced increasing scrutiny over its ties to Donald Trump and its promotion of disinformation. The group, founded in 2012, has seen its revenues soar from $4.3 million in 2016 to nearly $39.8 million in 2020, thanks to donations from wealthy conservative donors.
The scandal comes as TPUSA expands its influence beyond college campuses into media and faith activities. Kirk now hosts a daily radio show on Salem Radio Network and has launched Turning Point Faith to promote a culture war agenda. The group also has a political arm, Turning Point Action, which was involved in the January 6 rally that preceded the Capitol attack.
Critics have condemned TPUSA for pushing false claims about the 2020 election and Covid-19 vaccines. The group has also been accused of blurring the line between its non-profit status and political activities. Despite the controversy, TPUSA remains a powerful force in conservative politics, with allies on over 2,500 campuses nationwide.
