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Conservative Movement Fractures at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest
Tensions erupted at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest convention in Phoenix this week, as leading conservative figures exchanged blistering public attacks that highlighted deepening fractures within the Republican movement.
“Say what you want about AmFest, but it’s definitely not boring,” said Erika 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.”
That family business quickly turned contentious as prominent right-wing voices spent more time criticizing fellow conservatives than addressing traditional political opponents. The feuds that played out on the main stage could ultimately redefine the Republican Party and potentially splinter President Donald Trump’s coalition in the months ahead.
Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the conservative media outlet Daily Wire, ignited the conflict during the convention’s opening speech. He launched into remarkably personal attacks against several prominent conservative commentators, describing Candace Owens as someone who has been “vomiting all sorts of hideous and conspiratorial nonsense into the public square for years.” He accused Megyn Kelly of “cowardice” for refusing to condemn Owens’ unsubstantiated theories about Charlie Kirk’s death and labeled Tucker Carlson’s decision to host antisemite Nick Fuentes on his podcast as “an act of moral imbecility.”
The counterattacks came swiftly. Carlson took the stage just an hour later, mocking Shapiro’s attempt to “deplatform and denounce” those who disagree with him. “I watched it,” Carlson said. “I laughed.”
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon escalated the rhetoric the following evening, declaring that “Ben Shapiro is like a cancer, and that cancer spreads.” Kelly announced the end of her friendship with Shapiro, saying, “I resent that he thinks he’s in a position to decide who must say what, to whom, and when.” Though absent from the convention, Owens responded on her podcast by calling Shapiro a “miserable imp.”
A significant portion of the conflict centered on Israel and allegations of antisemitism. Some right-wing figures questioned whether traditional Republican support for Israel aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda. Carlson criticized civilian deaths in Gaza in terms that echoed progressive talking points, while some attendees referenced the 1967 USS Liberty incident, in which an Israeli attack on a U.S. Navy ship killed 34 Americans.
Bannon accused Shapiro, who is Jewish, and others of being part of “the Israel first crowd,” while Kelly suggested that criticism from Shapiro and newly appointed CBS News head Bari Weiss “is about Israel.” The debate highlighted an emerging divide in conservative circles about America’s relationship with Israel.
Amid the infighting, Vice President JD Vance received a significant political boost when Erika Kirk pledged Turning Point’s support for his potential 2028 presidential run. “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” she said, referring to Vance potentially becoming the 48th president after Trump.
This endorsement carries substantial weight, as Turning Point USA commands a massive volunteer network nationwide that could prove especially valuable in early primary states. Charlie Kirk’s backing had previously helped accelerate Vance’s political ascent. The vice president was scheduled to deliver the convention’s closing address on Sunday.
The convention also highlighted the growing influence of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement within conservative circles. Led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the Department of Health and Human Services, MAHA has quickly established itself in the right-wing ecosystem but has experienced friction with other elements of Trump’s Make America Great Again coalition, particularly regarding environmental regulation.
Wellness influencer Alex Clark, whose podcast is sponsored by Turning Point, questioned whether the Environmental Protection Agency is “with us or against us,” suggesting that “big chemical, big ag and big food are trying to split MAGA from MAHA.” Some MAHA activists have called for Trump to fire EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, prompting the agency to respond that it “wants to partner with the MAHA community and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.”
As the four-day event concluded, the public feuds that dominated AmericaFest signaled potential challenges for Republican unity even as the party prepares to control both the White House and Congress in January.
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18 Comments
This convention seems to have devolved into little more than a public airing of grievances between prominent conservatives. While political disagreements are normal, the personal attacks are counterproductive.
Absolutely. At a time when the country faces major challenges, it’s disappointing to see the conservative movement so consumed by internal squabbles. They need to find a way to get back on message.
This convention appears to have devolved into little more than a public spectacle of conservative in-fighting. While political disagreements are normal, the personal attacks and lack of civility are disappointing to see.
You’re right, this kind of divisive behavior does little to further the party’s agenda or address the real challenges facing the country. The Republican movement needs to find a way to move past these internal conflicts.
Interesting to see the divisions within the conservative movement playing out so publicly. While political infighting can be entertaining, it’s concerning how far the fractures have gone.
I agree, these feuds could have major implications for the future of the GOP. It will be important to see if the party can find a way to come together or if the divides only deepen.
The chaos on display at this convention highlights the growing ideological divides within the Republican party. While I don’t share their political views, a strong and cohesive opposition is important for democracy.
You make a good point. Regardless of one’s political leanings, the fracturing of the conservative movement could have significant ramifications for the broader political landscape.
The conservative movement seems to be grappling with some deep ideological differences. While healthy debate is good, the personal attacks go too far and risk undermining the broader political agenda.
You’re right, the open hostility on display is concerning. Hopefully the party can find a way to move past these divisions and refocus on their policy priorities.
The infighting and personal attacks between conservative figures at this event are concerning. While political disagreements are inevitable, the level of vitriol on display is counterproductive and worrying.
I agree, the party seems to be tearing itself apart rather than focusing on substantive issues. This kind of dysfunction could have far-reaching consequences for the Republican party and American politics as a whole.
This convention highlights the growing tensions within the Republican party. It will be interesting to see how these internal conflicts play out and whether they ultimately lead to a shift in the party’s direction.
Agreed, the party is at a crossroads. The infighting could either strengthen or weaken them depending on how they navigate these issues.
The deep divisions within the conservative movement are on full display here. While I don’t agree with all their positions, a strong and united opposition party is important for a healthy democracy.
That’s a fair point. Even if one doesn’t support their agenda, a functioning two-party system is vital. These internal conflicts could have broader implications for American politics.
The fractures within the conservative movement on display at this event are concerning. While healthy debate is important, the level of hostility and personal attacks is counterproductive and risks undermining the party’s broader objectives.
I agree, this kind of public infighting is not a good look for the Republican party. They need to find a way to channel their differences constructively and present a united front, even if they don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue.