Caroline Mattox, the president of the University of Georgia’s Turning Point USA chapter, has resigned days after Erika Kirk skipped the organization’s event at the school.
“Being a part of TPUSA has been a dream of mine for a very long time, and I was prepared to devote my college years to building the UGA chapter and carrying on Charlie Kirk’s legacy,” Mattox said in a statement shared via Instagram on Wednesday, April 22. “Turning Point USA was founded to promote truth, 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 TPUSA’s mission and purpose have been lost along the way.”
Mattox claimed that the “organization’s current direction no longer aligns with the principles upon which it was founded.”
“I 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 statement continued. “In light of this, I am resigning from my position as president of the Turning Point USA chapter at the University of Georgia. While I am grateful for the experiences, lessons, and people this chapter has 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.”
Mattox added that Charlie Kirk — who was shot to death in September 2025 at a TPUSA event at Utah Valley University — “spent his life fighting for truth, and I do not believe he would stand for the blatant dishonesty now being spread by the organization that he built.”
“His mission was never about numbers, appearances, or relevance,” she continued. “He showed people the beauty of just having a conversation and inspired an entire generation to make a change. His 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.”
Mattox concluded, “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. I know I am not alone, and I look forward to standing alongside others who value integrity, think for themselves, and have the courage to do what is right — even when it’s not easy or popular. As Charlie often 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.”
Us Weekly reached out to TPUSA for comment.
Mattox’s statement comes days after the University of Georgia hosted a Turning Point USA event with Vice President JD Vance. The April 14 event reportedly had a low turnout, with only a quarter of the arena filled. TPUSA’s Andrew Kolvet, who took over Charlie’s podcast after his death, blamed the lack of attendees on left-wing protestors who allegedly reserved tickets for the event.
Erika, 37, was scheduled to join Vance, 41, at the event, but she pulled out at the last minute due to alleged security concerns.
On April 16, CBS News cited a Secret Service source in reporting that the agency was not aware of any “credible threats” to Erika or the event.
A source later exclusively told Us Weekly that the “specific threats were targeting her and her ability to get to and from the event.”
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“Her security team felt that they could not protect her life,” the insider added.
The source explained that the alleged threats that led to Erika’s cancellation “were not targeted at the venue,” noting that “they had full confidence in the Secret Service” to keep Vance “safe.”
“There was absolutely no reason to cancel the event,” the source said. “It was specifically for her participation, her ability to get to and from the event that they were concerned about.”
