Conservative commentator and author Michael Knowles is set to host the first Turning Point USA campus event since the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk. The event will take place at 6:30 PM on the Carlson Family Stage inside Northrop at the University of Minnesota, as part of TPUSA’s ongoing “American Comeback Tour.”
Kirk was tragically assassinated on September 10 during the tour’s opening event at Utah Valley University, sending shockwaves through conservative circles. A high-profile memorial service in Arizona featured tributes from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, honoring Kirk’s legacy and influence.
🚨 NOW: The Turning Point USA campus event is ABSOLUTELY PACKED tonight at the University of Minnesota. People are lined up en masse!
The event is FULLY sold out. Michael Knowles is the speaker.
So glad to see they are continuing where Charlie left off 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/xvZAQLFXy7
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 22, 2025
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and TPUSA’s Growth
Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA to mobilize young, Christian conservatives. Under his leadership, TPUSA grew into a multimillion-dollar political organization, widely credited with helping support President Trump’s re-election efforts.
Since Kirk’s death, the organization has seen a surge in interest, including:
- Increased podcast listenership
- Growth in social media followers
- Expansion of campus chapters
A TPUSA spokesperson highlighted the renewed urgency to expand the group’s presence on college and high school campuses, emphasizing that large-scale events like Monday’s will continue as planned, now fueled by Kirk’s “martyr-like” status within the movement.
Who Is Michael Knowles?
Michael John Knowles is a conservative political commentator, author, and media personality with The Daily Wire since 2016. He hosts The Michael Knowles Show, a daily political podcast known for its sharp, often controversial commentary.
Knowles gained national attention in 2017 with his satirical book, “Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide,” a 266-page blank book that became an Amazon bestseller after being praised by President Trump, who called it “a great book for your reading enjoyment.”
In 2021, Knowles released “Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds,” which explores how language is weaponized in cultural and political debates.