What Charlie Kirk meant to the conservative movement in the U.S.

By Stephen Fowler,

Steve Inskeep

Published September 11, 2025 at 5:02 AM EDT

Through his group Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk amassed a large online following and influence with young people. He used that influence to help with Trump's successful return to the presidency.

National

Stephen Fowler

Stephen Fowler is a political reporter with NPR's Washington Desk, where he currently reports on the restructuring of federal government and the future of the Democratic and Republican parties after Donald Trump's return to office.

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

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What Charlie Kirk meant to the conservative movement in the U.S.

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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with your gift right now.