Charlie Kirk was an American conservative political activist, author, and media personality known for co-founding Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, at the age of 18. He was a prominent and influential voice in the populist MAGA movement, known for his dynamic public speaking and political organizing, particularly targeting young people and college campuses. Kirk was a strong supporter of Donald Trump and conservative causes, promoting Christian nationalism and conservative social policies. He was also known for his controversial views, including opposition to gun control, abortion, LGBTQ rights, and criticism of the Civil Rights Act and Martin Luther King Jr. Additionally, he was involved in efforts criticized for targeting educators with opposing political opinions. Kirk was a media personality who hosted a conservative talk show and was active on social media, reaching a broad audience of young conservatives. Overall, Kirk was a polarizing figure—admired by supporters for energizing young conservatives and building a significant political movement, but criticized by opponents for his provocative and divisive rhetoric. He was tragically shot and killed in 2025 during a public event at Utah Valley University.
