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Turning Point USA

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is an American nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is an American nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery. It focuses on student activism and promotes conservative politics, especially ideas such as free markets and limited government. TPUSA is widely described as a conservative or right-wing youth organization.

History

Turning Point USA was created in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, with Bill Montgomery also credited as a co-founder. It grew from a campus-based conservative student group into a prominent youth political organization.

Mission and activities

The organization says it aims to identify, educate, train, and organize students in support of free markets, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. Reporting describes campus chapters, conferences, speakers, and media productions as part of its activities.

Political orientation

TPUSA is generally described by reliable sources as conservative or right-wing. Some sources also characterize it as part of the MAGA-aligned youth movement, while critics have alleged broader ideological and rhetorical controversies.

Public profile

TPUSA has become a notable force in U.S. student and youth politics, with a large presence on campuses and extensive media reach. Its prominence increased through its association with Charlie Kirk and broader conservative political networks.

Key facts

  • TPUSA was founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery.
  • The organization promotes free markets, fiscal responsibility, and limited government.
  • It is widely described as conservative or right-wing by major reference and news sources.
  • TPUSA operates on high school and college campuses and hosts events, chapters, and media content.
  • Charlie Kirk was the public face of the organization and its founder.
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Canadian context

TPUSA has some relevance to Canadian readers through comparisons with youth political organizing, campus activism, and conservative movement politics in North America, but it is primarily a U.S.-based organization.

Frequently asked questions

What is Turning Point USA?
Turning Point USA is a U.S. nonprofit organization that promotes conservative politics among high school and college students.
Who founded Turning Point USA?
Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery founded Turning Point USA in 2012.
Is Turning Point USA conservative?
Yes. Major sources describe TPUSA as conservative, right-wing, or a conservative youth organization.
What does TPUSA do?
TPUSA runs student chapters, hosts events and conferences, invites speakers, and produces media content aimed at promoting conservative ideas on campuses.
Who is Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk was an American conservative activist and the co-founder of Turning Point USA. He was the organization’s public face and most closely associated with its growth and messaging.

References

  1. AAUP — https://www.aaup.org/sites/default/files/files/Mariah/What-is-Turning-Point-USA.pdf
    Supports: Describes TPUSA as a right-wing nonprofit and quotes its stated mission.
  2. Sky News — https://news.sky.com/story/what-is-turning-point-usa-the-maga-movement-founded-by-charlie-kirk-13428550
    Supports: States TPUSA is a conservative student movement founded by Charlie Kirk and describes its campus activities.
  3. USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/20/what-is-turning-point-usa-charlie-kirk/86206499007/
    Supports: Notes TPUSA was founded by Kirk at age 18, describes its mission, and outlines its campus and media activities.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Turning-Point-USA
    Supports: Identifies TPUSA as a political organization founded by Charlie Kirk in 2012 and describes its focus on conservative student politics.
  5. C-SPAN — https://www.c-span.org/organization/turning-point-usa/41865/
    Supports: Describes TPUSA as a far-right nonprofit organization advocating conservative values and notes its founders.
  6. Turning Point USA — https://tpusa.com/about/
    Supports: Provides the organization’s self-described mission and founding information.
  7. Library of Congress — https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0035460/
    Supports: Records TPUSA’s mission statement and founding by Charlie Kirk in 2012.