This is Not Normal

Turning Point organizer Michael Mounsey on truth, courage, and what comes after Charlie Kirk.

Michael Mounsey: Youth4Truth's USA Ambassador

Introduction

Michael Mounsey is a high school student who started his own Turning Point USA chapter before the assassination of Charlie Kirk. What began as a way to bring students together around patriotism and civic engagement has now taken on new weight in the wake of Kirk’s death.

On September 10, 2025, Kirk, founder of Turning Point and one of the most recognizable conservative activists in the U.S., was shot during a university event in Utah and later died from his injuries. The news reverberated across the country, sparking grief, anger, and renewed mobilization among young conservatives.

For Mounsey, the moment was both personal and political. He had been building his chapter to give students a voice, and now, in a time of national crisis, that mission feels more vital than ever.

At Youth4Truth, we believe youth politics isn’t about labels or slogans. It’s about how young people respond to real moments of crisis and turn tragedy into action. Mounsey’s journey shows the power of youth-led organizing in a time when silence is no longer an option.

The Interview

Q: When you first heard about Charlie Kirk’s assassination, what was your gut reaction?

Mounsey: Honestly, it didn’t surprise me the way it should have. That’s sad, but American politics is kind of the wild west. We’ve had presidents shot before, JFK, Reagan, even Trump’s recent attempt. I mourned for his family, especially his kids, but I wasn’t shocked.

Q: A lot of people are calling this a turning point. Do you think that’s true?

Mounsey: Yeah. Across the country people are saying, “This is the straw that broke the camel’s back.” At my school, kids are hanging flags out their windows. Enrollment in Turning Point has gone up. Donations have gone up. Voter registration is way up. It’s sad that tragedy has to bring people together, but it has.

Q: And how has starting your own Turning Point chapter shaped how you see politics?

Mounsey: It’s given me tools and a sense of patriotism without pushing a strict MAGA agenda. Personally, I’d call myself a “faith and flag” conservative: fiscally tight, socially moderate. Turning Point reflects that. They’ve given us resources, like boxes of flags for students, that make politics feel real and engaging.

Q: Do you think the organization risks becoming more radical now?

Mounsey: If they stay the course, no. If they don’t swing too far right or left, they’ll keep growing. Charlie understood how to engage young people. That’s what made him effective.

Q: What about youth participation in general? Should the voting age be lowered?

Mounsey: I wouldn’t lower it fully, but I’ve thought about a compromise: keep 18 as the full vote, but give 16–17 year-olds a fractional vote. That way they start getting involved.

Q: What’s one thing you wish teens understood about politics?

Mounsey: Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Say what you believe, but back it up with facts. Be civil. Debate makes you smarter. Politics affects your life whether you like it or not.

Q: That’s what I’m trying to show with Youth4Truth, that politics isn’t just for adults, it impacts us too. Mounsey: Exactly. And when you read news, check multiple sources. Know the biases. Fact-check everything.

Q: What sources would you recommend?

Mounsey: I like the New York Times morning briefing, CNN’s newsletter, Fox’s “Five at Five,” and local news. 60 Minutes is also solid. Mix it up so you’re not stuck in one bubble.

Q: Last question: how do we bridge divides instead of just arguing?

Mounsey: Sit down with people who disagree. Don’t yell, don’t make it personal. Have coffee, bring facts, listen. Even if you don’t change each other’s minds, you’ll walk away more informed.

Closing

Mounsey’s story shows how youth leadership isn’t just reactive, it can be proactive. Long before tragedy struck, he was already building community through his Turning Point chapter. But in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, his commitment has deepened, and his words carry even more urgency.

His journey is proof that young people don’t wait for permission to shape politics. If we want a healthier democracy, we need more of what Mounsey calls for: fact-checking, dialogue, and the courage to speak up. Change doesn’t start with politicians. It starts with youth who refuse to stay silent.