Charlie Kirk, Builder.
Charlie wasn’t an internet or political entrepreneur. He was a human one.
Last week, Charlie Kirk was asked in an interview to describe his job in one word. He answered, "Entrepreneur."
That title was accurate. Because boy, did he build.
As I sit here today working on this humble media endeavor, I’m in awe reflecting on the size and scope of the enterprises Charlie constructed in such a short time and at such a young age: Turning Point USA, Turning Point Action, Turning Point PAC, and a daily radio and podcast show—all supporting hundreds of events and over 1,000 employees. And this doesn’t include the endless counsel he provided to lawmakers and political figures—which is where I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Charlie a few times.
It was immediately clear to all who interacted with him that he possessed a unique gift for connecting with people and debating ideas. And his medium was media, new and old.
Charlie was early to the podcast era and prolific on social media, where he shared his ideas and interactions—particularly with college students—across the country. And it was these real-life events—from his campus engagements to pop-up political events to a national student summit—that inspired the younger generation. His entrepreneurial spirit powered him to scale these experiences to reach more and more people like never before.
Charlie wasn’t an internet or political entrepreneur. He was a human one.
And just like every other trailblazing entrepreneur, what Charlie built paved the way for countless others. Co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, Josh Holmes, said on Wednesday, “We wouldn’t be doing what we are doing, at some level, without the influence Charlie had on new media.” So many others—both in politics and elsewhere—can trace their ambition and success back to Charlie’s work.
I would be remiss not to mention the most important enterprise Charlie was building: a family. We continue to lift up his wife, Erika, and their two young children in prayer.
Amidst the thousands of hours of media we have from Charlie’s professional life, the lasting image we are left with is a man who devoted his life to creating something bigger than himself—ideas, institutions, movements, and a family. May he be remembered not just for what he accomplished, but for the spirit of enterprise and conviction he carried into everything he touched.
Rest in peace, Charlie Kirk—an American builder.