In the heart of Phoenix, a heated dispute over the future trajectory of President Trump's political movement ignited on one of the most significant platforms of the right, the annual youth conference of Turning Point USA.
This internal strife among influential conservative figures, each with their own vision for the movement, threatened to overshadow the memorialization of Charlie Kirk, the organization's charismatic founder who was tragically assassinated in September. Despite this, attendees were adamant about honoring the legacy of Kirk, a figure who unified the Republican Party.
According to The Washington Times, the first to take the stage was Ben Shapiro, who didn't mince words in his criticism of Tucker Carlson and others, labeling them as grifters and charlatans. He accused them of deceiving their audiences with unfounded conspiracy theories and falsehoods.
Shapiro was particularly critical of Carlson, a former Fox News host, for his decision to interview the openly antisemitic Nick Fuentes on his podcast, describing it as an act of moral imbecility.
Carlson, not one to back down, took to the same stage barely an hour later, scoffing at Shapiro's attempts to "deplatform and denounce" those who disagreed with him. I watched it, Carlson said, I laughed.
The palpable bitterness that marked the opening night of the four-day conference underscored the deep-seated divisions over the interpretation of America First and the future direction of the Make America Great Again movement. This movement, more defined by the force of Trump's personality than loyalty to a specific ideological project, could potentially signal more splits within an already fractious Republican Party. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirks widow and the new leader of Turning Point, expressed her concerns about this in her opening remarks.
The accused assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who allegedly shot and killed Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University in September, appeared in court last week. Robinson has yet to enter a plea. Authorities report that he told his romantic partner that he killed Kirk because he had enough of his hatred.
The last time Turning Point held its AmericaFest conference, the mood was exuberant as Republicans prepared for a new era of total control in Washington. The organization is known for its high-energy events that resemble rock concerts or megachurch services more than political rallies, complete with pyrotechnics and floor-shaking bass.
However, the party now faces challenging midterm elections, with Trump constitutionally prohibited from running again. His more ideologically motivated followers are positioning themselves for the post-Trump era. Meanwhile, the conservative movement has been rocked by conflicts over antisemitism within its ranks, a situation that Trump has declined to mediate.
Shapiro continued his criticism of Carlson for his friendly interview with Fuentes, whose followers, known as groypers, see themselves as working to preserve a white, Christian identity in America. Shapiro stated that Charlie Kirk knew that Nick Fuentes is an evil troll, and that building him up is an act of moral imbecility, and that is precisely what Tucker Carlson did.
In response, Carlson argued that Shapiros position would be antithetical to Kirk, who was killed while debating students on a college campus. To hear calls for deplatforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event, Im like, what? Carlson said. This is hilarious.
Carlson denied being antisemitic, stating it is immoral to hate people for how they were born. He then downplayed the problem of anti-Jewish hate by claiming its less pervasive than bias against white men. That is racism that is precisely as bad as antisemitism, but it is much more widespread and has been so far much more damaging, he said.
Carlson dismissed the idea of a civil war in the Trump coalition as totally fake, saying a narrative of tension is ginned up by people who hope to prevent Vice President JD Vance from becoming Republicans next leader. All the turmoil, he said, is about who gets the machinery when the president exits the scene.
Turning Point has also faced turmoil over conspiracy theories spread by Candace Owens, a former employee who hosts a top-rated podcast. Owens has alleged without evidence that Israeli spies were involved in Kirks death and that he was betrayed by people close to him. Authorities say Robinson acted alone.
Asked about Owens and others spreading conspiracy theories during a CBS News town hall, Erika Kirk responded with one word: Stop. She said Owens is making money off her familys tragedy, adding that conspiracy peddlers risk tainting the jury pool and allowing her husbands killer to get away with it.
After a meeting on Monday, Owens said on her show that she and Kirk spoke for four-and-a-half hours but she still doubted that Robinson acted alone. Owens also responded to criticism from Shapiro, who is Jewish, by doubling down on her claim that Israel was involved in Kirks assassination. Ben only cares about Israels interests, she wrote on X. So Israel is involved.
Shapiros critiques of Owens and Carlson reflect a deepening fissure within the Republican Party over Israel and its war in Gaza, with some younger conservatives questioning whether unflinching support for the country is in line with Trumps America First agenda.
Carlson criticized Israels military operations and said it was immoral to kill innocent children, adding, I dont care if its in Minneapolis or Gaza City.
The Turning Point conference, which has drawn thousands of people, still has three more days to go. Vance is scheduled to speak Sunday, as is Donald Trump Jr. Attendees will have the chance to take selfies with popular figures and participate in discussions about political organizing, religion, and conservative critiques of American culture.
On Thursday, right-wing podcasters and YouTube hosts taped their shows from the hallways as fans watched. Anti-abortion groups and Christian colleges recruited new members and students. Recruiters for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol were on hand, along with an armored tactical vehicle they drove into the exhibition hall.
Many dressed in red, white, and blue or wore Make America Great Again hats. Some stopped for selfies in front of a sign saying, We are all Charlie Kirk.
I just felt like I had an obligation to be here, said Daren Struiksma, 20, of Harrisburg, South Dakota. The conference continues, a testament to the enduring spirit of Charlie Kirk and the conservative movement he championed.
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