In 2018, Kirk supported the separation of church and state. Now, he challenges that principle as he leads the push for Christian nationalism in American politics.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has undergone a dramatic shift in his political and religious views over the past six years. In 2018, he criticized the evangelical political movement he now helps lead, advocating for the separation of church and state and arguing that political action should be based on a secular worldview. Back then, he denounced the conservative right’s attempts to impose their morality on government policy. He even went as far as to say that “we do have a separation of church and state,” and that this principle should be upheld.
However, Kirk’s position has evolved significantly. Now, at 30 years old, he is a leading voice in the push for Christian nationalism within the Republican Party. He rejects the idea of separating church and state, calling it “a fabrication” and claiming it is a fiction created by secular humanists. This shift mirrors the broader embrace of Christian nationalism in the Republican Party, particularly following the rise of Donald Trump.
Kirk’s current views are central to his work with Turning Point USA, which has become a significant force within the MAGA movement. He works closely with the Trump campaign to engage voters, while also reaching millions through his podcast and radio show. His platform now regularly emphasizes that conservative political activism should be seen as part of a Christian’s duty, calling on believers to view their political actions as aligned with Jesus’ teachings.
Kirk is vocal in his opposition to the LGBTQ rights movement, which he claims is harming children. He also champions the Seven Mountains Mandate, a concept gaining popularity among Trump supporters that encourages conservative Christians to take control of key societal institutions, including government, media, business, and education. He views this as essential to restoring Christian morality in America, which he believes has been undermined in recent decades.
In one of his recent speeches, Kirk invoked religious themes to rally support for Donald Trump. Introducing the former president at a rally hosted by Turning Point USA and the Trump campaign at a megachurch in Arizona, Kirk proclaimed, “I worship a God that defeats evil,” referring to Trump as the champion of restoring Christian values to the nation. For Kirk, Trump’s political agenda has become intertwined with his vision of a America centered on Christian ideals.
