Speeches From the Archive- Charlie’s 2017 Speech at The University of Illinois
The Charlie Kirk Show
Charlie Kirk
4.6 • 65.6K Ratings
🗓️ 15 February 2026
⏱️ 33 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this throwback speech from when he wasn't yet 25 years old, Charlie lays out the foundational principles behind his worldview and the mission of Turning Point USA. He makes the case for why America is the greatest and most generous nation in history, and takes on myths like the gender wage gap, white privilege, and the idea that a college degree is the only path to success.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | My name is Charlie Kirk. |
| 0:04.6 | I run the largest pro-American student organization in the country fighting for the future of our republic. |
| 0:11.3 | My call is to fight evil and to proclaim truth. |
| 0:14.5 | If the most important thing for you is just feeling good, you're going to end up miserable. |
| 0:19.9 | But if the most important thing is doing good, you will end up purposeful. College is a scam, everybody. You got to stop sending your kids to college. You should get married as young as possible and have as many kids as possible. Go start a turning point USA College Chapter. Go start a turning point. You would say high school chapter. Go find out how your church can get involved. Sign up and become an activist. |
| 0:39.0 | I gave my life to the Lord in fifth grade. |
| 0:41.2 | Most important decision I ever made in my life, |
| 0:43.8 | and I encourage you to do the same. |
| 0:45.2 | Here I am. |
| 0:46.1 | Lord, use me. |
| 0:48.1 | Buckle up, everybody. |
| 0:49.5 | Here we go. |
| 0:55.8 | The Charlie Kirk Show is proudly sponsored by Preserve Gold, |
| 0:59.7 | the leading gold and silver experts, |
| 1:02.3 | and the only precious metals company I recommend to my family, friends, and viewers. |
| 1:11.6 | I love it. Hello everyone. Thank you for coming tonight. |
| 1:15.6 | I heard there are some characters outside, so that's always fun. |
| 1:19.6 | So we're going to have some fun tonight. |
| 1:21.6 | I would love to just talk a little bit about what our organization, |
| 1:25.6 | Turning Point USA is doing on college campuses |
| 1:27.6 | across the country, the values that we hold near and dear, some things that I feel personally, |
| 1:33.6 | and I'll disclaim those before I mention them. |
... |
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