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How a college dropout from the suburbs became Maga star Charlie Kirk

September 12, 2025

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), rose from an unknown Chicago activist to become a central figure in Donald Trump's MAGA movement before his recent death. Kirk developed close personal relationships with the Trump family, serving as a bridge to young Republicans and helping shape both Trump's 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns. His organization grew to include 3,500 high schools and colleges, generating $85 million last year, while Kirk himself gained significant influence in vetting administration appointees for Trump's second term.

Who is affected

  • Young Republicans and conservative college students who were part of TPUSA's network
  • The Trump family, particularly Donald Trump Jr. who considered Kirk "like a little brother"
  • Trump administration officials and appointees, as Kirk had influence in vetting government positions
  • The broader MAGA movement, which lost a key strategist and organizer
  • The White House staff, who reacted with tears and shock to the news
  • Turning Point USA's 3,500 campus chapters and organizational structure

What action is being taken

  • President Trump is ordering flags across the country to fly at half-staff in Kirk's honor
  • The White House is gathering information and providing updates about Kirk's death
  • Trump delivered a video address on Kirk's murder
  • The White House staff is responding to and processing the news of Kirk's death
  • Trump and his team are acknowledging Kirk's contributions to the 2024 election victory

Why it matters

  • Kirk was instrumental in Trump's electoral victories, particularly in mobilizing young voters and developing get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states during the 2024 election
  • His organization TPUSA had grown into a powerful political force, raising $85 million last year and expanding to 3,500 campuses
  • Kirk had significant influence in the Trump administration, including helping to vet appointees for government positions
  • He represented a bridge between traditional Republican politics and new forms of conservative activism through social media
  • His death removes a key strategist and advisor who had close personal relationships with the Trump family
  • Kirk helped shape the MAGA movement's outreach to younger demographics

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC