Image Credit: @Riley_Gaines / X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
On Friday, Dec. 12, several state leaders and conservative activist Riley Gaines announced an intended partnership with Turning Point USA (TPUSA) aimed at establishing a Turning Point chapter at every college and high school in Tennessee.
The event was led by State Senator Jack Johnson and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn who spoke during an unpublicized meeting between the Republican officials and TPUSA leaders at the state capitol. Part of the conference was streamed on Rumble.
Josh Thifault, senior director of both TPUSA and its political arm, Turning Point Action, said that weeks before his death, Charlie Kirk made an organizational goal to establish 20,000 chapters across the nation of Club America, the high school arm of TPUSA.
“You look at the cultural aftershocks of 9-10 and all of a sudden, it’s possible. All these governors want to work with us. All of these politicians want to work with us. All these celebrities who never wanted anything to do with Turning Point want to work with us,” Thifault said. “We’re no longer a politically themed nonprofit. We are a larger-than-life social organization.”
Tennessee hopes to help accomplish Kirk’s goal, though there were no specifics or terms of the plan discussed at the meeting or given by Gov. Bill Lee’s office.
Lee did not appear in person but was featured in a video played at the event, where he said, “I am encouraged to see significant interest from Tennessee students in starting Club America chapters, an effort that will give students an opportunity to respectfully engage in the issues that shape our country.”
It was made clear, however, that no state funding has been allocated to TPUSA.
Sen. Johnson, speaking on behalf of Gov. Lee, said the state is prepared to defend the effort in court if challenged and warned school administrators that the state will not abide any resistance.
“We will not tolerate, at the state level, any effort by any administrator, any teacher, any professor, any faculty member who attempts to stifle the voice of any young conservative across the state of Tennessee,” Johnson said. “Anyone who attempts to thwart the organization of Turning Point chapters of Club America chapters in Tennessee will face serious consequences, including possible legal action.”
Senator Blackburn shared her excitement for the partnership, recalling Kirk’s passion for free speech and healthy debate.
“One of the things that I so appreciated having conversations with Charlie Kirk about was the importance of robust, respectful bipartisan debate,” she said. “We are so grateful that the state has stepped up to take a position to say we are going to be here to encourage our young people to show their faith, to show their commitment to the country and to do their part to get our great nation back on track.”
Renowned TPUSA ambassador, activist, and Sumner County Library Board member Riley Gaines was also present at the event, saying, “Nobody is immune to the cultural chaos that is plaguing this nation and even plaguing this state. All that we’re saying in this partnership is that America is exceptional.”
Gaines also posted a video to social media promoting the partnership. “We’re building!” she captioned.
Unsurprisingly, the announcement was not received well by Democrats across the state, with the Tennessee High School Democrats (TNHSD) making an official statement in protest.
“This move represents a direct attack on the long-standing tradition of keeping public education free from political extremism. By aligning itself with a group whose national founder had repeatedly promoted hateful and divisive rhetoric, the state is endorsing an organization that does not reflect the values of inclusion and respect that Tennessee students deserve,” the statement read. “The TNHSD, TNYD, and TNCD, remain committed to fostering civic education, encouraging respectful dialogue, and ensuring that every student feels safe participating in the political process- without fear, coercion, or exposure to hate speech. We will continue to stand against any effort to inject partisan extremism into our schools.”
The Tennessee announcement was made the same day Texas entered into a similar collaboration, and both states follow Florida’s partnership which was announced in October.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Since the murder of Charlie Kirk, mountains of evidence has proven that TPUSA is controlled by AIPAC and corrupt. Those that worked for TPUSA have come forward to warn the public that they are anything but Christian. Charlie turned down millions from Netanyahu to keep quiet about the mass murder in Gaza, Charlie told friends close to him that he thought they were going to murder him. These organizations are anything but organic, they are controlled and planned to capture the minds of our youth.