The announcement from Turning Point USA was to the point. It read:
“Charlie prepared all of us for a moment like this one,” TPUSA’s Board of Directors wrote in a letter dated Wednesday. “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 for Turning Point USA.
And with that, Turning Point USA did what every family must do in the face of the death of its leader — and yes, Turning Point USA is not just a political organization, it is indeed a family.
In this case, following the political assassination of founder Charlie Kirk, Turning Point turned to Charlie’s partner in life and at Turning Point — wife Erika — to take the reins of the organization that Charlie built from scratch.
One can easily believe her choice was not simply an excellent one but an inspired choice.
Having been around the political block myself, I can say with certainty that what Charlie accomplished was no inconsiderable task. Hence, the accolades that have poured in from all manner of American leaders, starting with President Trump. And under these circumstances, caused by the horrific attack on Charlie, no one is better qualified to take the reins at Turning Point than his wife, Erika. She will now lead, as Turning Point noted, an organization Charlie “built to survive even the greatest tests.”
In doing so, Erika has a considerable advantage in knowing what Charlie has accomplished and how he did it. She surely knows well the challenges that confront her in her new role, and she is decidedly well-equipped to meet those considerable challenges.
Remembering Charlie
Here is background on the upcoming memorial service in Arizona.
And here is a background on how to attend if still possible.
And here is the X account for the service.
Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend.
The morning of Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale, AZ.https://t.co/t0KIbEbhaP pic.twitter.com/KNM2xFNvUi
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 13, 2025
Suffice to say, this gathering will be, one can reasonably suspect, both seriously emotional and, particularly for Erika Kirk and her family, a vivid display of the affection so many Americans — in and out of that stadium service — had for Charlie.
Make no mistake. What has happened here is not just a national tragedy. It is, for sure, the beginning of so many lives, young lives in particular, that will go forward with Charlie held in their hearts and minds as a role model and inspiration for public service.
Hopefully, it is also something that will inspire Erika Kirk and her children as they go forward.
One can only wish them well and know that Charlie will, in fact, live in so many American hearts forever.
And say as well: Three cheers for Erika Kirk.
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