'Fortify the red wall’: Erika Kirk calls for 80–90 percent voter turnout as she praises Trump

Erika Kirk hailed Trump’s perseverance and warned of forces ‘trying to tear this country apart’ at TPUSA's 'Build the Red Wall' rally in Phoenix
Erika Kirk speaks before President Donald Trump at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona (AP Photo/Ross D Franklin, Alex Brandon)
Erika Kirk speaks before President Donald Trump at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona (AP Photo/Ross D Franklin, Alex Brandon)


PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Erika Kirk, the CEO of Turning Point USA, issued a powerful directive to supporters, calling for a massive 80 to 90 percent voter turnout in the midterms.

She praised President Donald Trump as the ultimate example of perseverance, noting that his commitment to the mission remains unshakable despite constant adversity.

Erika Kirk calls for massive turnout, warns of people pushing division

The core of Kirk’s message focused on the necessity of overwhelming participation at the polls to ensure long-term political stability.

She told the audience, "And now we have to show up again with 80 to 90% voter turnout in the midterms and fortify the red wall for the next decade. That's what we need to do."

Kirk contrasted this goal with the behavior of those who profit from national discord, stating, "But at the same time, you have people out there who are actively trying to tear this country apart. They love to start fights. Dividing us all against each other, spreading negativity, all to get clicks and influence the algorithm to maximise profits."

She argued that true success comes from boots-on-the-ground efforts, noting that "building is hard. Getting out the boat, talking to real people, spiritual revival, that's actual work. That is actual work."

President Donald Trump greets Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
President Donald Trump greets Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk at a Turning Point USA event on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Erika Kirk honors husband Charlie’s legacy as she praises Trump’s perseverance

Kirk also highlighted the personal sacrifices made for the movement, specifically honoring her late husband’s dedication to the cause.

She remarked, "And my husband, Charlie [Kirk], gave his life for that work. And what gets built lasts for generations long after the noise has run out of one-liners."

Turning her attention to national leadership, she praised Trump as a leader who truly understands the gravity of the struggle.

Kirk insisted that "no one understands this better than President Trump. No one."

OREM, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 10: Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' when he was shot in the neck and killed (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

She closed her speech by emphasizing that Trump's resilience, stating, "No matter what they throw at him, he perseveres in the face of adversity, because the mission is too important."

It is to be noted that Trump joined Kirk at Dream City Church in north Phoenix for Turning Point Action’s “Build the Red Wall” rally to show support for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.

Prior to the event, scores of supporters of all ages waited in line to get in, though the president’s motorcade was also greeted with angry crowds.

RELATED TOPICS BATTLE FOR CONGRESS

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

President Trump was weather-delayed after campaigning for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton before his scheduled Durant speech
1 hour ago
The Kennedy Center has become a major political issue as Trump has repeatedly sought to rename the institution after himself as part of his broader effort to leave his mark on the capital before leaving the White House
2 hours ago
President Trump's campaign strategist said his deep-red-state rallies are aimed at boosting GOP turnout in competitive districts
2 hours ago
In a September 19 announcement, Trump promised an “AI force” and an “AI czar” while dismissing warnings about AI threats as another alleged “hoax”
3 hours ago
The 2026 midterms will test whether Trump's party can break a pattern: the president's party has lost House ground in 20 of 22 midterms since 1938
3 hours ago
The announcement came on Thursday, Oct 1, through a memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has introduced several new policies to transform the department
4 hours ago
Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont) warned that Republicans could get drubbed in this year’s midterm election, much like what happened to Republicans 20 years ago
5 hours ago
According to a report, the consultation took place during a meeting with Elon Musk a month before the Caracas operation
5 hours ago
Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis and President Donald Trump have clashed over several policy issues, including the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’
6 hours ago
The National Capital Planning Commission took a key step on Thursday regarding President Trump's latest White House project
7 hours ago