Charlie Kirk is a prominent American conservative political activist, radio talk show host, and internet personality. Born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Bill Montgomery, where he has served as executive director since its inception. His leadership extends to several affiliated organizations: Turning Point Action, Turning Point Academy, and Turning Point Faith, and he is president of the Turning Point Endowment. Kirk is also a member of the Council for National Policy, reflecting his significant influence within conservative circles.
Kirk’s media presence is marked by his active role in promoting conservative values. He was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention and has appeared on major news networks including Fox News, CNBC, and Fox Business News. His support for Donald Trump during his presidency has been a defining feature of his public persona. In 2018, Kirk was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and garnered additional attention through a high-profile meeting with Kanye West.
In October 2020, Kirk launched “The Charlie Kirk Show” on Salem Media’s “The Answer” radio channel. His podcast has achieved remarkable success, with internal data from NBC News in 2024 showing daily downloads between 500,000 and 750,000, ranking it No. 13 on Apple Podcasts for news. Kirk’s published works include four books, with his latest, “Right Wing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West,” released in 2024.
Kirk’s academic honors include an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Liberty University in May 2019. He married podcaster and businesswoman Erika Frantzve in May 2021, and the couple welcomed their daughter in August 2022. Kirk owns a Spanish-style mansion near Phoenix, a nearby apartment, and a beachside condo on Florida’s Gulf Coast.