Public infighting at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest exposes a dangerous rift in the conservative movement just as President Trump needs unity to dismantle leftist policies.
Story Highlights
- Ben Shapiro blasts Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and others as “frauds and grifters” peddling conspiracy theories after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
- Steve Bannon fires back, calling Shapiro a “cancer” on conservatism envious of Kirk.
- VP JD Vance urges unity, emphasizing America-first focus over internal cancellations.
- Young attendees express unease, warning infighting risks 2024 momentum amid Trump’s victories.
AmericaFest Spotlights Conservative Divisions
Turning Point USA held its annual AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, drawing over 25,000 attendees from December 18 to 21, 2025. The four-day event marked the first major conservative gathering since co-founder Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2025 at a Utah university.
Speakers openly criticized each other, revealing fault lines that threaten unity under President Trump’s second term. Attendees noticed the tension immediately, contrasting with past harmony under Kirk’s leadership.
'I PROMISE YOU VICTORY': @VP JD Vance closed out AmericaFest 2025, Turning Point USA's first convention since founder Charlie Kirk's assassination, by telling a raucous crowd that the "America First" movement is open to free thinkers who love their country. pic.twitter.com/lEdlnxRgL2
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 21, 2025
Shapiro Targets Carlson and Bannon Over Fuentes Platform
Ben Shapiro accused Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Megyn Kelly of being “frauds and grifters” for promoting far-right conspiracy theories after Kirk’s death. Shapiro warned the conservative movement faces danger from “charlatans who traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty.”
He specifically condemned Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, labeling him a “Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving, anti-American piece of refuse.” Bannon retaliated by comparing Shapiro to “a cancer” spreading through conservatism, claiming Shapiro envied Kirk and might target Turning Point.
Young conservatives voiced alarm at the platforming of Fuentes, a far-right antisemitic influencer. Lucas Beaver, 19-year-old Turning Point chapter president from North Carolina, said Fuentes manipulates youth by hiding radicalism to gain trust.
This divide over extremism risks alienating core supporters who rallied behind Trump’s border security and economic wins.
Kirk’s Absence Fuels Uncertainty Among Youth
Deacon Jones, 19-year-old Turning Point member from Tennessee, described AmericaFest as palpably different without Kirk, whom he called a trusted beacon uniting diverse ideas.
Jones warned infighting elevates minor disagreements over major issues like illegal immigration and fiscal reform, splitting the party when unity builds on 2024 victories.
Over 25,000 attendees, including VP JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Tom Homan, Carlson, and a phone call from President Trump, witnessed the unease. Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance.
Andrew Kolvet, Turning Point spokesman, stated no single leader can fill Kirk’s void; resolution requires team effort. Young attendees like Nick Perisse, 19 from Florida, felt “carefully enthusiastic” but cautioned divisions could cause collapse.
Kirk’s wife Erika endorsed Vance for 2028, signaling hope amid turmoil. These fractures undermine the momentum needed to protect constitutional values and counter government overreach.
Vance Steps In to Rally the Movement
JD Vance closed AmericaFest on December 21, 2025, urging conservatives to prioritize America-loving unity over cancellations. Vance said Charlie Kirk invited diverse voices trusting attendees’ judgment, stressing greater work ahead. Kolvet likened Vance’s speech to a father settling rowdy kids, pointing to a “Northern Star” of shared principles.
Attendees praised Vance’s message resonating with MAGA diehards and skeptics alike. Yet tensions suggest battles over conservatism’s future intensify, demanding focus on Trump’s agenda against woke globalism and inflation.
