"The article caught the attention of Fox & Friends, where he appeared as an on-air guest. Kirk then met businessman Bill Montgomery at a Youth Government Day event at Benedictine University in May 2012, and Montgomery urged him to drop out of college and continue to organize young conservatives after hearing him speak. Together, they founded Turning Point USA that same year."
"His success as a firebrand communicator, effective fundraiser, and political organizer among young voters cemented him as a member of President Donald Trump's inner circle - despite, or perhaps because of, his polarizing rhetoric, which often drew protests at speaking engagements. Photos show Kirk's rise from a young conservative upstart to a powerful member of Trump's inner circle. When Trump was elected to his first term, Kirk became a frequent guest at the White House."
Charlie Kirk rose from a high school conservative activist to cofounder of Turning Point USA and a major conservative influencer. He first gained attention in 2012 after an op-ed and appearances on Fox & Friends. Bill Montgomery partnered with him to found Turning Point USA, which grew to chapters on over 3,500 campuses and reported $85 million in 2024. Kirk built a large social media following and became a prominent fundraiser and organizer among young voters. He developed close ties with President Donald Trump and frequently appeared at the White House. Kirk was shot and killed at age 31 during the first stop of his 'American Comeback Tour' at Utah Valley University; Trump ordered flags at half-mast.
Read at Business Insider
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