**A Year After Charlie Kirk’s Death, Young Voters Show Signs of Discontent with Trump**
**Date: September 10, 2026**
One year after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), has significantly increased its presence in educational institutions across the United States. However, this expansion comes amid growing discontent among young voters towards the Republican Party and its leader, former President Donald Trump.
Kirk, who was a prominent figure in conservative circles and a close ally of Trump, was killed on September 10, 2025, while addressing students at Utah Valley University. His death, captured on video, sent shockwaves through the political landscape and prompted the Trump administration to intensify its crackdown on groups it labeled as “domestic terrorist organizations,” including the antifascist movement known as Antifa.
Since Kirk's passing, TPUSA has seen a remarkable growth in its organizational footprint, with over 3,500 high school chapters—an increase of 180 percent—and more than 1,500 college chapters, reflecting a more than 60 percent rise. This growth positions TPUSA as a significant force in mobilizing young conservative voters, a demographic that Kirk had worked tirelessly to engage.
Despite this organizational success, recent polling indicates a troubling trend for the Republican Party among younger voters. A survey conducted by Reuters and Ipsos revealed that only 32 percent of men aged 18 to 29 approved of Trump’s performance as of August 2026, a decline from 43 percent earlier in the year. This drop in approval is particularly noteworthy given that Trump had previously garnered 46 percent of the young male vote in the 2024 election, marking a seven-point increase from 2020.
Economic concerns appear to be a primary driver of this dissatisfaction. A Harvard Youth Poll conducted in early 2026 found that half of Americans aged 18 to 29 felt that inflation impacted them significantly, while 45 percent reported struggling to make ends meet or lacking financial security. The ongoing US-Israeli conflict has exacerbated these economic pressures, with Moody’s Analytics estimating that the war has added approximately $750 to average household expenses.
Within TPUSA, discussions regarding US support for Israel have intensified. A recent poll by YouGov and The Economist indicated that only 16 percent of young respondents believed that US military action in Iran was justified, reflecting a growing skepticism among younger conservatives regarding foreign policy decisions.
As the Republican Party prepares for the upcoming congressional midterm elections on November 3, the expanding network of TPUSA presents an opportunity to rally younger voters. However, the party must navigate the challenges posed by the economic climate and shifting political sentiments among this critical demographic.
In remembrance of Charlie Kirk, TPUSA is holding a memorial at Utah Valley University on the anniversary of his death. The organization will also honor his legacy at the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, highlighting the enduring impact of Kirk's activism within conservative youth circles.
As the political landscape evolves, the relationship between young voters and the Republican Party remains uncertain, with Kirk's legacy serving as both a rallying point for conservatives and a reminder of the challenges they face in appealing to the next generation.