Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has increased its campus presence one year after the death of co-founder Charlie Kirk, despite a decline in support for former President Donald Trump among young voters. As of September 10, 2026, TPUSA has over 3,500 high school chapters, marking an increase of 180 percent since Kirk's death, and more than 1,500 college chapters, a rise of over 60 percent.
Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of Trump, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. His death prompted the Trump administration to intensify efforts against what it termed 'domestic terrorist organizations,' including the antifascist group Antifa. Kirk's work with TPUSA significantly mobilized young conservative voters within the Republican Party.
However, recent polling indicates growing dissatisfaction among young voters towards the Republican Party, particularly regarding economic issues and the US-Israeli conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from August 2026 shows that only 32 percent of men aged 18 to 29 approve of Trump's performance, down from 43 percent in February 2025. In the 2024 election, Trump secured 46 percent of young men's votes, an increase from 39 percent in 2020, according to Pew Research Center data.
Economic concerns are prominent among young voters, with a Harvard Youth Poll revealing that 50 percent of Americans aged 18 to 29 feel significantly impacted by inflation, and 45 percent report financial insecurity. The ongoing conflict in Iran has added an estimated $750 to household expenses, according to Moody's Analytics.
Within TPUSA, discussions regarding US support for Israel have intensified, with a YouGov/The Economist poll indicating that only 16 percent of young people support US military action in Iran. Despite these challenges, TPUSA's expanding network may provide Republicans with opportunities to engage younger voters as the November 3 congressional midterm elections approach.
A memorial for Charlie Kirk will take place at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2026, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of his death. TPUSA will also honor Kirk at the Republican Party's first midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.