TPUSA leader says org ‘no longer aligns’ with Charlie Kirk’s vision after Erika took over

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: The president of Turning Point USA’s University of Georgia chapter has stepped down from her position, claiming the organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk has lost its original vision after his widow, Erika Kirk, took over.

Caroline Mattox resigned a week after the April 14 event at UGA in Athens, which featured Vice President JD Vance as the guest.

TPUSA leader Caroline Mattox quits over mission concerns

In an Instagram post, she wrote, “Turning Point USA was founded to promote truth, fight for conservative values, fight for conservative values, encourage independent thought, and defend free speech. However, it became abundantly clear to me following our event on April 14th that TPSUA’s mission and purpose have been most lost along the way.”

“It became evident to me that the organization’s current direction no longer aligns with the principles upon which it was founded,” she stated.

Caroline Mattox raises concerns over TPUSA direction

In her lengthy statement, Mattox also shared that she “witnessed firsthand what I believe to be the organization’s true direction following Charlie’s passing, and I have significant concerns about its messaging and current trajectory.”

The former leader further accused the organization of spreading “blatant dishonesty.” She also noted that Kirk’s mission was “never about performing, but about encouraging my generation and future generations to stand up for what is right and fight to save America.”

Caroline Mattox says she'll continue to stand for right

Concluding her post, Mattox said, “While I am grateful for the experiences, lessons, and people this chapter brought me, I can no longer, in good conscience, continue to represent an organization that I believe has strayed so far from its original purpose and principles.”

“I remain committed to standing for truth and fighting for the future of our country, and I will continue to stand firmly in that mission. As Charlie said, ‘Stand for what is right, even if you stand alone.’ That message guides me, and I will continue to carry it with me in all that I do.”

A month before Mattox’s resignation, the TPUSA chapter at the University of Arkansas ended its association with the organization.

The name was changed to Young American Revival, and its former president, Dino Fantegrossi, said in a statement, “We are generally put off by how Charlie Kirk has been used by TPUSA since his assassination. Statements like ‘Charlie would have said…’ and ‘Charlie would have wanted…’ have felt in many instances disingenuous and manipulative.”