From France24 · · 2m
Young Ultra-Conservatives Carry Charlie Kirk's Legacy
21-year-old Carson Carpenter aims to continue Charlie Kirk's ultra-conservative influence after his death.
In brief
21-year-old Carson Carpenter aims to continue Charlie Kirk's ultra-conservative influence after his death. Carson Carpenter, a 21-year-old political science graduate, hosts TikTok debates to carry on Charlie Kirk's legacy after Kirk was fatally shot in 2025. Originally reported by France24.
Carson Carpenter Hosts TikTok Debate
Carson Carpenter, a 21-year-old political science graduate from Arizona State University, hosts a live stream debate on TikTok.
“hi dylan, great to see you! what’s up, chase? thanks to everyone moderating the chat!”
Charlie Kirk's Legacy
Carson Carpenter aims to carry out Charlie Kirk's legacy as a right-wing influencer after Kirk was fatally shot in 2025.
“i hope i can carry out his legacy in the way that he saw it … i don't want to say i would take credit for what his legacy should be, because that can only be determined by him and jesus”
Debate Topic: Cornell University Allegations
The debate focuses on alleged drugging and gang rape of a female student at Cornell University by seven fraternity members in 2024.
“so, you think the accuser is innocent in this case?”
TikTok Strategy
Carpenter uses provocative questions and assertive stances to put opponents on the defensive in online debates.
“tiktok live streams aren't my favourite thing, but at least they bring in a lot of people”
Turning Point USA Connection
Carpenter worked with Charlie Kirk in the College Republicans at Arizona State University and co-founded Off The Record USA.
“i think the charlie kirk legacy is just making people apply their thought into reality when it comes to the country as a whole”
Clean Up America Tour
Carpenter participates in Turning Point USA's 'Clean Up America' tour with community cleanups and festivals in Phoenix.
“make america clean again”
Kirk's Death Impact
Taylor Sharp, a 24-year-old ultra-conservative influencer, says Kirk's death has left a void in the MAGA movement.
“kirk was the only one holding this maga divide together with civil discourse”
Erika Kirk's Appearance
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, appears at the rally but breaks down in tears after speaking briefly.
“that was charlie kirk's wife, and i don't believe that he made an error when he chose his wife”
Youth Support for Turning Point
Young attendees like Daisy Fernandez-Herrera and Miles Jetton join Turning Point USA for its faith-based community focus.
“i do believe that it is so important to have our foundation in christ because if you have people … their ideologies are all out of whack”
Midterm Elections Strategy
Turning Point USA aims to mobilize supporters for Republican candidates in Arizona's upcoming midterm elections.
“arizona is on a declining … depressing slope that is going into the ground because of katie hobbs”
Trump Support Waning
Only 49% of 2024 Trump voters aged 19 to 34 continued to approve of his actions in October 2026, according to Pew Research.
“the war in iran, the war in ukraine not being ended, tariffs not being fully implemented”
Carpenter's Political Views
Carpenter criticizes Trump for not keeping campaign promises and expects Republicans to lose the midterm elections.
“the people that are saying that republicans are going to somehow win a supermajority … have not sobered themselves up to the reality of political history in the united states”
Turning Point USA's Challenges
Turning Point USA faces criticism for backing too radical candidates and declining Trump support among young voters.
“there's people that can unify but it's big shoes to fill, you know”
What Happens Next
Turning Point USA seeks to mobilize young conservatives for the midterm elections in Arizona.
“i hope i can carry out his legacy in the way that he saw it”
The takeaway
Carson Carpenter, a 21-year-old political science graduate, hosts TikTok debates to carry on Charlie Kirk's legacy after Kirk was fatally shot in 2025.
