Major donors and allies of former President Trump have moved to bolster Turning Point USA following the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk, a wave of support analysts told The Guardian is likely to cement the group’s influence on the American right.
Lynn Friess, widow of early benefactor Foster Friess, pledged $1 million, saying the donation would help expand new chapters nationwide.
In 2024, TPUSA raised about $85 million, more than double its 2020 fundraising. At the time of Kirk’s death, the organization reported 900 college chapters, 1,200 high school chapters, and tens of thousands of pending chapter inquiries.
Major donors reportedly include the Bradley Impact Fund, Donors Trust, and the Deason Foundation, Fox News reported.
“Charlie was an extraordinary fundraiser with deep ties to President Trump and his son Don Jr.,” Republican consultant Chuck Coughlin reportedly told The Guardian. “He is a big loss to them and they will be scrambling to fill that void.”
A conservative political action committee, meanwhile, has launched a campaign to highlight teachers who publicly justified Charlie Kirk’s assassination and to counter arguments from the left that conservatives are being inconsistent on free speech.
Stefano Forte, executive director of the 1776 Project PAC, told Fox News Digital that the group has created an online form allowing users to report teachers and administrators who made such comments. He said the form has already generated an “endless stream of tips.”
Many people are essentially happy that Charlie Kirk has been killed. And these people are in charge of the next generations,” Forte said.