Fundraising efforts have intensified for Turning Point USA (TPUSA) after the murder of its founder Charlie Kirk, with large donors and allies of Donald Trump pledging support to sustain the influential far-right group. The 31-year-old activist was killed last month, triggering a wave of financial backing that campaign finance experts say will keep TPUSA a major force on the American right.
Lynn Friess, widow of mega-donor Foster Friess, pledged $1 million to TPUSA days after Kirk's killing. In an email to allies on 14 September, she wrote that her donation was to support a surge in new chapters springing up across the country. Former Fox News star Tucker Carlson also sent out a fundraising appeal, while multimillionaire Doug Deason indicated plans to increase his already hefty backing.
Kirk's success in attracting donors is reflected in TPUSA's rapid growth: the Arizona-based group reported raising $85 million in 2024, more than double its 2020 haul of $39 million. At the time of his murder, TPUSA boasted 900 college chapters and 1,200 high school chapters. Spokesperson Andrew Kolvet told Fox News on 14 September that they had received 54,000 inquiries about launching new chapters.
Republican consultant Chuck Coughlin noted that Kirk had extraordinary fundraising abilities due to his deep ties to President Trump and his son Don Jr. Other consultants described him as the 'Pied Piper of fundraising' with mega donors, thanks to his strong relationships with the president and vice-president. Major contributors over the years include the Bradley Impact Fund ($23.6 million from 2014 to 2023), Donors Trust ($4 million from 2020 to 2023), and the Deason Foundation ($1.8 million from 2016 to 2023).
On 18 September, TPUSA's board appointed Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, as CEO, noting that it was her husband's wish. Longtime campaign finance watchdog Larry Noble said it was not surprising that TPUSA is receiving strong financial support in the wake of Kirk's assassination, as some wealthy backers make large contributions to show respect and keep the group well-funded. Others, he added, are using it as an opportunity to fuel broad attacks on Democrats and the left.
