Conservative Gathering Reveals Deep Rifts
At the midpoint of Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest event in Phoenix, Erika Kirk attempted to maintain a positive outlook. "Say what you want about AmFest, but it's definitely not boring," remarked Kirk, who has led the influential conservative organization since her husband Charlie was assassinated in September. "Feels like a Thanksgiving dinner where your family's hashing out the family business."
Heated Exchanges Among Media Figures
Prominent conservative media personalities engaged in intense criticism of one another on the main stage, focusing more on internal disputes than opposing left-wing viewpoints. These conflicts may ultimately shape the Republican Party's direction and affect the future of President Donald Trump's coalition, which faces potential fractures in coming years.
Ben Shapiro, co-founder of Daily Wire, initiated the contentious atmosphere with his opening address following Kirk's introduction. He launched personal attacks against fellow commentators, describing some popular right-wing figures as morally deficient. Shapiro specifically criticized Candace Owens for "vomiting all sorts of hideous and conspiratorial nonsense into the public square for years." He also accused Megyn Kelly of "cowardice" for not condemning Owens' unsubstantiated theories about Kirk's death, and labeled Tucker Carlson's decision to host Nick Fuentes as "an act of moral imbecility."
Swift Responses and Counterattacks
Carlson quickly responded by mocking Shapiro's attempts to "deplatform and denounce" those with differing views. "I watched it," he stated. "I laughed." The following evening brought additional rebuttals. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon compared Shapiro to "a cancer, and that cancer spreads." Kelly dismissed Shapiro as a marginal figure in conservative circles and declared their friendship terminated. "I resent that he thinks he's in a position to decide who must say what, to whom, and when," Kelly asserted. Owens, excluded from the convention, retaliated on her podcast by calling Shapiro a "miserable imp."
Debates Over Israel and Antisemitism
Discussions about Israel surfaced repeatedly during the four-day conference. Some participants questioned whether traditional Republican support for Israel aligns with Trump's "America First" agenda. Carlson's comments about civilian casualties in Gaza echoed progressive criticisms. Attendees referenced historical events like Israel's 1967 attack on the USS Liberty, with some arguing it was intentional despite Israel's claim of mistaken identity. Bannon accused Shapiro and other staunch Israel supporters of belonging to "the Israel first crowd," while Kelly suggested criticism from Shapiro and Bari Weiss primarily concerned Israel.
Political Endorsements and Emerging Movements
Erika Kirk announced Turning Point's endorsement of Vice President JD Vance as the next Republican presidential nominee. "We are going to get my husband's friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible," she declared on the convention's opening night. Vance, scheduled as the final speaker, benefited from Charlie Kirk's earlier support during his political ascent. The organization's extensive volunteer network could prove valuable in primary states.
The Make America Healthy Again movement gained visibility at the event, indicating its growing influence within conservative circles. Led by Robert F. Kennedy at Health and Human Services, MAHA has experienced tensions with other MAGA coalition members regarding environmental regulations. Wellness influencer Alex Clark, whose podcast receives Turning Point sponsorship, questioned whether the Environmental Protection Agency supports their goals. "Big chemical, big ag and big food are trying to split MAGA from MAHA so things can go back to business as usual, but we don't want that, do we?" Clark asked attendees. Clark and others have urged Trump to dismiss EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has engaged with MAHA activists. The EPA announced plans to develop a MAHA-focused agenda but did not immediately comment on Clark's remarks.
