Widow of murdered US activist Charlie Kirk to recruit students on Northern Ireland visit

"Talks are under way for a wider European tour by Mrs Kirk, now CEO of the right-wing think tank that hosts events for students in school and university campuses across the US. It is understood that the former DUP MP Ian Paisley, who has close links with US conservatives, has been consulted about setting up a branch of Turning Point in Northern Ireland and has been "encouraging" the move. The group focuses on recruiting students and young adults, aged 15 to 25, as activists to carry forward their Christian-right ethos."

"The US chapter of the group hosted an 'alternative' Super Bowl half-time show this week, headlined by Kid Rock and billed as the 'All-American Halftime Show'. This was in opposition to Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, whose official Super Bowl half-time show, performed mainly in Spanish, was criticised by Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. Bad Bunny's 14-minute set included guest performances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B and Jessica Alba, and was watched by an estimated 125 million people."

"President Trump responded, saying it was "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!". He added that "nobody understands a word this guy is saying". The alternative Turning Point event was watched by over four million people and ended with a tribute to Charlie Kirk, showing photos and video of the organisation's founder."

Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University in September while speaking at an outdoor campus debate organised by Turning Point USA. Talks are under way for a wider European tour by Mrs Kirk, now CEO of the right-wing think tank that hosts events for students in school and university campuses across the US. It is understood that former DUP MP Ian Paisley has been consulted about setting up a branch of Turning Point in Northern Ireland and has been encouraging the move. Turning Point focuses on recruiting students and young adults aged 15 to 25. The US chapter hosted an alternative Super Bowl half-time show watched by over four million people.

Read at Irish Independent