Public infighting at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest exposes a dangerous rift in the conservative movement following Charlie Kirk’s assassination, threatening the unity President Trump needs to advance his America First agenda.
Story Highlights
- Ben Shapiro blasts Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and others as “frauds and grifters” for promoting conspiracy theories after Kirk’s death.
- Steve Bannon retaliates, calling Shapiro a “cancer” on conservatism envious of Kirk.
- VP JD Vance urges unity, emphasizing America-loving conservatives must focus on shared goals over internal cancellations.
- Young attendees express unease, warning infighting risks derailing 2024 momentum and splitting the party.
AmericaFest Spotlights Conservative Divisions
Turning Point USA held its annual AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, from December 18 to 21, 2025, drawing over 25,000 attendees. 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 worry supporters of President Trump’s agenda.
Prominent figures like VP JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and White House border czar Tom Homan attended, with President Trump calling in by phone. A surprise appearance by rapper Nicki Minaj added star power, but tensions dominated.
'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 entertaining far-right conspiracy theories after Kirk’s killing. On December 18, Shapiro warned, “The conservative movement is in danger from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty.”
He labeled Bannon a “PR flack for Jeffrey Epstein” and attacked Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, calling Fuentes a “Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving, anti-American piece of refuse.” This dispute centers on handling far-right influencers like Fuentes, whom many conservatives view as toxic to core values of individual liberty and traditional principles.
Lucas Beaver, 19-year-old Turning Point USA chapter president from North Carolina, criticized Fuentes for manipulating young conservatives. Beaver said Fuentes hides his radicalism to gain trust, a tactic that undermines principled conservatism.
Such divisions distract from pressing issues like border security and fiscal responsibility, which President Trump’s administration prioritizes.
Bannon Fires Back, Labels Shapiro a Threat to Turning Point
Steve Bannon countered Shapiro harshly, comparing him to “a cancer” that spreads within the movement. Bannon claimed, “Mark my word, he will make a move on Turning Point, because he’s always been envious of Charlie Kirk.”
This personal attack highlights leadership struggles in the post-Kirk era. Attendees noted the shift from unity under Kirk, who bridged differences. Deacon Jones, 19-year-old Turning Point member from Tennessee, said Kirk acted as a trusted beacon, boiling down ideas for consensus. Without him, confusion reigns on whom to trust.
Young Conservatives Voice Alarm Over Party Split
Jones warned that infighting elevates minor issues over major ones like illegal immigration and government overreach. He stated, “We’re making major issues minor and minor issues major. We’re not talking about all the things we agree on.” This risks squandering the momentum from Trump’s 2024 victory.
Nick Perisse, 19-year-old student from Florida, felt “carefully enthusiastic” post-event but cautioned against self-collapse from divisions. Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet called resolution a “team effort,” rejecting a single savior figure.
Vance Steps In to Rally Fractured Movement
VP JD Vance closed AmericaFest on December 21, urging unity for those who “love America.” Vance said, “We have far more important work to do than canceling each other. Charlie invited all of us here for a reason.”
Kolvet likened Vance’s speech to a father settling rowdy kids, pointing to a “Northern Star” of shared principles. Erika Kirk endorsed Vance for 2028, signaling hope. Yet, displayed tensions suggest the battle for conservatism’s future intensifies, potentially weakening defenses against leftist policies if unresolved.
