History of Turning Point USA in Timeline
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery. It promotes conservative politics, primarily targeting high school, college, and university students. TPUSA has multiple affiliate groups, including Turning Point Endowment, Turning Point Action and TPUSA Faith. It is known for its rapid growth in campus chapters and its influence as a conservative youth group.
1941: The Managerial Revolution
In 1941, The Managerial Revolution was published.
1948: Ideas Have Consequences
In 1948, Ideas Have Consequences was published.
1953: The Conservative Mind
In 1953, The Conservative Mind was published.
1960: The Conscience of a Conservative
In 1960, The Conscience of a Conservative was published.
1987: A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind Published
In 1987, both A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind were published.
2001: The Death of the West
In 2001, The Death of the West was published.
May 2012: Charlie Kirk Speaks at Benedictine University
In May 2012, 18-year-old Charlie Kirk delivered a speech at Benedictine University's Youth Government Day, which impressed Bill Montgomery. Montgomery encouraged Kirk to postpone college and pursue political activism full-time, leading to the launch of Turning Point USA.
2012: Turning Point USA Founded
In 2012, Bill Montgomery launched Turning Point USA with Charlie Kirk, serving as the organization's secretary and treasurer until April 2020. He was a marketing entrepreneur and former participant in the Tea Party movement.
2012: Kirk Meets Foster Friess at Republican National Convention
In 2012, Charlie Kirk met Republican donor Foster Friess at the Republican National Convention and secured a "five-figure" donation for Turning Point USA. Friess joined the organization's advisory council.
2013: TPUSA's revenues were $78,000
In 2013, Turning Point USA's revenues were $78,000.
2014: Benny Johnson Fired by BuzzFeed
In 2014, Benny Johnson was fired by BuzzFeed for plagiarism. He was later hired by Turning Point USA as chief creative officer in February 2019.
July 2016: TPUSA Fundraising
In July 2016, Turning Point USA raised in excess of US$8.2 million. Records also showed that the group had funneled "thousands of dollars" into student governments to elect conservatives.
October 2016: Kirk Participates in Pro-Trump Fox News Event
In October 2016, Charlie Kirk participated in a Fox News event with Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Lara Trump that had a pro-Donald Trump tone. TPUSA covered expenses for student attendees, leading to scrutiny of the organization's tax-exempt status.
November 21, 2016: Professor Watchlist Launched
On November 21, 2016, Turning Point USA launched the Professor Watchlist website to document and expose college professors who discriminate against conservative students, promote anti-American values, and advance leftist propaganda.
December 2016: Professor Watchlist Reaches Milestone
As of December 2016, more than 250 professors were added to the Professor Watchlist, a website operated by Turning Point USA.
2016: Kirk Addresses Republican National Convention
In 2016, Charlie Kirk addressed the Republican National Convention. He stated he would vote for Donald Trump, despite not being a big fan, and assisted with travel and media arrangements for Donald Trump Jr. during the presidential campaign.
2016: TPUSA Files Lawsuit Against Grand Valley State University
In 2016, Turning Point USA at Grand Valley State University filed a lawsuit against the school's trustees, challenging the university's Speech Zone policy, claiming it violated students' 1st and 14th Amendment freedoms. A settlement was later reached.
2016: Professor Watchlist Launched
In 2016, Turning Point USA launched the Professor Watchlist, a website listing academic staff that TPUSA alleges discriminate against conservative students and promote leftist propaganda.
2016: TPUSA reports US$8.2 million in donations
In 2016, Turning Point USA reported US$8.2 million in donations to the IRS, which was an increase from $4.3 million the previous year.
2016: TPUSA Denied Recognition at Drake University and Hagerstown Community College
In 2016, Turning Point USA was denied recognition as an official student organization at Drake University due to concerns about a "hateful record" and "unethical privacy concern." At Hagerstown Community College, an attempt to start a TPUSA group was initially blocked, leading to a lawsuit and a revision of the school's policy on student organizations.
2016: The New Yorker described two separate actions by TPUSA staff in the 2016 election that appear to have violated campaign finance regulations
In 2017, Jane Mayer of The New Yorker described two separate actions by TPUSA staff in the 2016 election that appear to have violated campaign finance regulations. Kirk denied any wrongdoing and said it was "completely ludicrous and ridiculous that there's some sort of secret plan".
February 2017: Santa Clara University Student Government Denies Recognition for Turning Point USA
In February 2017, Santa Clara University's student government voted to deny recognition for Turning Point USA as a campus organization.
March 2017: Santa Clara University Vice Provost Overturns Denial of Recognition for Turning Point USA
In March 2017, the Vice Provost for Student Life at Santa Clara University overturned the student government's decision, recognizing Turning Point USA as a registered student organization.
June 2017: TPUSA Fundraising
In June 2017, Turning Point USA raised in excess of US$8.2 million. Records also showed that the group had funneled "thousands of dollars" into student governments to elect conservatives.
September 2017: University of Nebraska–Lincoln Lecturer Reassigned After Confronting TPUSA Recruiter
In September 2017, Courtney Lawton, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln lecturer, was reassigned after a video surfaced showing her confronting a student who was recruiting for Turning Point USA.
October 2017: TPUSA Chapter at Kent State Disbands After "Safe Space" Protest
In October 2017, Turning Point USA student members at Kent State University protested campus "safe space" culture by dressing in diapers as babies. Following widespread ridicule on social media, the chapter president resigned, and the chapter disbanded, though it has since been reestablished.
December 2017: The New Yorker Publishes Article on Discrimination Within TPUSA
In December 2017, The New Yorker published an article detailing allegations of widespread discrimination against minorities within Turning Point USA, based on interviews with former staff members. The article included a text message from Crystal Clanton expressing hatred towards Black people.
2017: Benny Johnson Suspended by Independent Journal Review
In 2017, Benny Johnson was suspended by the Independent Journal Review for publishing a conspiracy theory about Barack Obama. He was later hired by Turning Point USA as chief creative officer in February 2019.
2017: The New Yorker described two separate actions by TPUSA staff in the 2016 election that appear to have violated campaign finance regulations
In 2017, Jane Mayer of The New Yorker described two separate actions by TPUSA staff in the 2016 election that appear to have violated campaign finance regulations. Kirk denied any wrongdoing and said it was "completely ludicrous and ridiculous that there's some sort of secret plan".
2017: Tyler Bowyer Becomes COO
In 2017, Tyler Bowyer became the chief operating officer (COO) of Turning Point USA.
2017: TPUSA Strategy to Capture Student Government Positions
In 2017, a private brochure given to TPUSA donors outlined a strategy to gain control of student government positions at 80% of Division 1 N.C.A.A. schools, defund progressive organizations, eliminate barriers to hate speech, block boycott movements, and promote American Exceptionalism through speakers and forums.
2017: NRA Sponsor of YWLS
In 2017, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was the headline sponsor of the Young Women's Leadership Summit (YWLS).
January 18, 2018: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Denies TPUSA Chapter Status
On January 18, 2018, the executive board of the student union of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute voted to deny the Turning Point USA chapter status as an officially recognized student organization.
May 2018: YAF warns members to not associate with TPUSA
In May 2018, Young America's Foundation (YAF) leadership warned its members to not associate with TPUSA, accusing them of exaggerating chapter numbers and activities, taking credit for other organizations' events, inflating event attendance with racists and Nazi sympathizers, and sponsoring "humiliating" campus activism events.
June 2018: Joe Walsh Resigns From TPUSA Board Over Charlie Kirk's Ties to Donald Trump
In June 2018, conservative radio talk show host Joe Walsh resigned from the Turning Point USA board, citing Charlie Kirk's close ties to Donald Trump as the reason. Walsh emphasized the importance of being beholden to issues rather than politicians.
December 2018: Candace Owens Makes Controversial Remarks
In December 2018, Candace Owens made controversial remarks at a conservative event in London, leading to calls for her resignation from Turning Point USA in May 2019.
December 2018: Turning Point UK launched in London
Turning Point UK, a British offshoot of Turning Point USA, was launched in London in December 2018 by Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens to promote right-wing politics in UK schools, colleges and universities.
2018: Why Liberalism Failed
In 2018, Why Liberalism Failed was published.
2018: NRA Sponsor of YWLS
In 2018, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was the headline sponsor of the Young Women's Leadership Summit (YWLS). By this time, the event had "evolved into an ultra-Trumpian event" with vulgar T-shirts disparaging Hillary Clinton.
February 2019: Turning Point USA Hires Benny Johnson
In February 2019, Turning Point USA hired Benny Johnson as its chief creative officer. Johnson had previously been fired by BuzzFeed for plagiarism in 2014.
May 2019: Candace Owens Resigns After Controversial Remarks
In May 2019, Candace Owens resigned as communications director of Turning Point USA after controversial remarks she made in December 2018 about Hitler were publicized. Some TPUSA campus chapters called for her resignation.
May 2019: Kyle Kashuv Resigns After Racially Inflammatory Language Surfaces
In May 2019, Turning Point USA's director for high school outreach, Kyle Kashuv, resigned after racially inflammatory language he used in a Google document surfaced. Kashuv's former classmates threatened to make the screenshots public.
May 2019: Kirk preparing to unveil Turning Point Action
In May 2019, it was reported that Charlie Kirk was "preparing to unveil" Turning Point Action as a 501(c)(4) entity allowed to target Democrats.
November 2019: Charlie Kirk Launches Culture War College Tour
During November 2019, Charlie Kirk launched the Culture War college tour with appearances from conservatives like Donald Trump Jr., Lara Trump, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. The events were targeted by alt-right and far-right members challenging speakers on topics like Israel and LGBTQ issues.
November 2019: The Dartmouth Review Criticizes TPUSA
In November 2019, The Dartmouth Review criticized TPUSA for promoting Kirk and Trump more than conservative values, calling it an intellectually devoid echo chamber that compromises values for recognition.
2019: Barry Russell Joins TPUSA as Key Advisor
In 2019, Barry Russell, president and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), became a key advisor to Turning Point USA.
2019: Kirk Becomes CEO of Students for Trump
In 2019, Charlie Kirk became the CEO of Students for Trump, expanding his role in conservative activism.
2019: TPUSA's reported revenues from donors were $28.5 million
In 2019, TPUSA's reported revenues from donors were $28.5 million, and CEO Charlie Kirk's compensation was $292,423.
2019: ADL Calls TPUSA an Alt-Lite Organization
In 2019, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) labeled TPUSA an alt-lite organization, criticizing its affiliations with activists from the alt-right and far-right. The ADL and the Southern Poverty Law Center have also criticized TPUSA for racist or bigoted comments and links to extremism.
April 2020: Montgomery Steps Down as Secretary and Treasurer
In April 2020, Bill Montgomery stepped down from his role as secretary and treasurer of Turning Point USA, a position he held since the organization's founding.
July 2020: Bill Montgomery Dies
In July 2020, Bill Montgomery, co-founder of Turning Point USA, died from complications resulting from contracting COVID-19.
July 2020: TPUSA attorney refuted allegations of campaign finance irregularities
In July 2020, TPUSA attorney Sally Wagenmaker refuted allegations of campaign finance irregularities in an article published by ProPublica, stating that "payments to businesses belonging to organization officials 'provided a compelling operational benefit in Turning Point USA's best and other interests,' and that they were 'in full compliance with TPUSA's IRS-compliant conflict of interest policy.'"
October 2020: Charlie Kirk Begins Hosting Radio Show on Salem Media's "The Answer"
In October 2020, Charlie Kirk began hosting a daily three-hour radio talk show on Salem Media's channel, "The Answer". Turning Point USA's online audience grew from an average of 83,000 to 111,000 in 2020.
2020: Turning Point Action paid teenagers to produce posts on social media
During the 2020 U.S. presidential election campaign, Turning Point Action paid teenagers in Arizona, some of them minors, to produce thousands of posts with Turning Point USA content on their own social media accounts without disclosing their relationship with the organization.
2020: Kirk Keynote Speaker at Republican National Convention
In 2020, Charlie Kirk was a keynote speaker on the first day of the Republican National Convention, where he referred to President Donald Trump as the "bodyguard of western civilization".
2020: Turning Point Endowment had revenues of $16,576,350
In 2020, Turning Point Endowment had revenues of $16,576,350.
January 4, 2021: Turning Point Action Announces Sending Buses to "Stop the Steal" Rally
On January 4, 2021, Charlie Kirk announced that Turning Point Action would send over 80 buses to the January 6th Trump "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House to protest the 2020 election results. Ultimately, seven buses with around 350 participants were sent.
January 6, 2021: Trump "Stop the Steal" Rally and Attack at the U.S. Capitol
On January 6, 2021, a rally attended by thousands of Trump supporters ended in a riot and the attack at the U.S. Capitol. Turning Point Action funneled money to several "Stop the Steal" rally speakers, including Kimberly Guilfoyle.
August 2021: TPUSA distributed a "2021 Investor Prospectus" seeking to raise $43 million
In August 2021, Turning Point USA distributed a "2021 Investor Prospectus" that sought to raise $43 million. The prospectus employed white nationalist rhetoric according to David Armiak of the Center for Media and Democracy.
September 2021: Turning Point USA Launches "Turning Point Live"
In September 2021, Turning Point USA launched "Turning Point Live", a three-hour streaming talk show featuring host John Root and selling "Save America" merchandise.
December 2021: AmericaFest Launched
In December 2021, Turning Point USA launched AmericaFest, a four-day conference featuring conservative speakers such as Donald Trump Jr. and Sarah Palin, interspersed with country music acts. Kyle Rittenhouse was introduced with a standing ovation.
2021: Kirk compares Biden's vaccination efforts to "Apartheid-style open air hostage situation"
In 2021, Charlie Kirk compared President Biden's vaccination efforts to an "Apartheid-style open air hostage situation" despite the previous year's death of co-founder Bill Montgomery from COVID-related complications. The organization also made misleading claims about the dangers of catching COVID-19 and advocated against vaccine mandates and passports for healthy young people.
2021: Charlie Kirk founded TPUSA Faith
In 2021, Charlie Kirk founded TPUSA Faith, an organization dedicated to recruiting pastors and church leaders to be active in local and national political issues. The organization promotes a culture war agenda and faith-based voter drives to attract supporters among religious conservatives.
2021: TPUSA announced Turning Point Academy
In 2021, TPUSA announced Turning Point Academy as an online academy for "families seeking an 'America-first education'".
2021: TPUSA Launches School Board Watchlist
In 2021, TPUSA launched the School Board Watchlist, a website intended to hold school board members accountable for supporting mask mandates, COVID-19 vaccinations, and certain teachings related to history, race, gender, and sex in schools. The website publishes the names and photos of these school board members.
2021: School Board Watchlist Launched
In 2021, Turning Point USA launched its School Board Watchlist website, publishing names and photos of school board members who adopted mask mandates or anti-racist curricula.
2021: TPUSA's revenues grew to $55.8 million
In 2021, Turning Point USA's revenues have grown to $55.8 million.
2021: Wichita State University Student Court Overturns Denial of TPUSA Chapter Recognition
In 2021, Wichita State University's student court unanimously overturned a decision by the Student Senate that had denied a Turning Point USA Chapter recognition on campus, deeming the denial unconstitutional.
2021: Jack Posobiec joins TPUSA
In 2021, political activist Jack Posobiec joined TPUSA to host the show Human Events Daily.
July 2022: Neo-Nazis Appear Outside TPUSA's Student Action Summit
In July 2022, neo-Nazis appeared outside of TPUSA's Student Action Summit in Tampa, and were denied entry. The View falsely stated that TPUSA invited and embraced the neo-Nazis, later issuing a retraction and apology after a cease and desist request from TPUSA.
2022: Turning Point Australia founded
In 2022, Turning Point Australia, a Sydney-based Australian offshoot of TPUSA, was founded by Joel Jammal.
January 20, 2023: Turning Point Australia registered as a limited company
On January 20, 2023, Turning Point Australia was first registered as a limited company.
March 2023: BLEXIT Foundation Partners with TPUSA
In March 2023, Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens announced on Twitter the partnership of the BLEXIT Foundation and Turning Point USA. BLEXIT incorporated its messaging through TPUSA's branding style and corporate structure, with Candace Owens and Brandon Tatum retaining leadership roles.
April 2023: Riley Gaines' Speech at San Francisco State University Met With Protests
In April 2023, Turning Point USA hosted Riley Gaines at San Francisco State University. After her speech advocating to exclude trans women from women's sports, she was met with protestors and was allegedly physically assaulted, leading to her being barricaded in a room for hours and missing her flight.
October 2023: Incident at Arizona State University
In October 2023, an English instructor at Arizona State University, listed on the Professor Watchlist, was followed and confronted by a TPUSA crew. The instructor, David Boyles, was injured during the encounter, leading to accusations of harassment and violence against TPUSA.
2023: AmericaFest 2023
In 2023, AmericaFest, TPUSA's largest conference yet, was held. Keynote speakers included Glenn Beck, Roseanne Barr, Mike Lindell, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Tucker Carlson, and Charlie Kirk, with 13,000 attendees.
December 2024: AmericaFest 2024
In December 2024, AmericaFest was held in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring keynote speakers such as Donald Trump, Ben Shapiro, Kirk, Carlson, Patrick Bet-David, Matt Walsh, Riley Gaines, and Cenk Uygur.
July 22, 2025: TPUSA announced "Club America"
On July 22, 2025, TPUSA announced "Club America", which is made up of high school chapters which would promote TPUSA and bring in conservative speakers once a semester to speak to students.
September 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk Assassinated
On September 10, 2025, co-founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, during a series of events planned by the organization.
September 2025: Charlie Kirk's Assassination
In September 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated, marking the end of his tenure as CEO, chief fundraiser, and the public face of Turning Point USA since its founding. The New York Times highlighted his role in transforming the organization into a "well-funded media operation."
September 18, 2025: Erika Kirk Becomes CEO of TPUSA
On September 18, 2025, Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, became the CEO of Turning Point USA.
October 2, 2025: Rutgers TPUSA Chapter Launches Petition Against Professor Mark Bray
On October 2, 2025, the Rutgers University chapter of Turning Point USA launched a petition against Rutgers professor Mark Bray, labeling him as "Dr. Antifa" and an "outspoken, well-known antifa member", demanding his firing. Following the petition's publicity, Bray received death threats and his personal information was released. He and his wife fled to Spain with their children.
October 27, 2025: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced partnership with TPUSA for Club America
On October 27, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he would be partnering with TPUSA to bring Club America chapters to high schools throughout Florida. Texas Governor Greg Abbott also announced that he would expand Club America chapters into every Texas high school and warned that any school officials who disallow chapters should be reported to the Texas Education Agency.
2025: AmericaFest 2025
During the 2025 AmericaFest, there were disagreements between Tucker Carlson and Ben Shapiro regarding Israel. Nicki Minaj was a surprise speaker on the fourth day, expressing support for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance and addressing violence against Christians in Nigeria.
2025: Student Action Summit 2025
The 2025 Student Action Summit (SAS), one of TPUSA's signature annual events, saw its largest ever turnout with 5,000 attendees at the Tampa convention center. Guest speakers included Tom Homan, Kristi Noem, Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and Charlie Kirk.
February 2026: Lyrics of Kid Rock's "Cool, Daddy Cool" Receive Renewed Scrutiny
In February 2026, Kid Rock was the headliner of the TPUSA All-American Halftime Show. The lyrics of his song "Cool, Daddy Cool", used in the 2001 film Osmosis Jones, received renewed scrutiny.
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