During Turning Point USA’s annual conference, top conservative influencers clashed over how to combat rising antisemitism and bigotry within the Republican Party. The event, known as AmericaFest, took place in Phoenix and marked the first significant gathering since the tragic death of TPUSA’s founder, Charlie Kirk.
The tensions at the conference highlighted deep divisions within the party, especially as younger members have shown support for figures like Nick Fuentes, a known white supremacist and Holocaust denier, and other extremists.
Renowned conservative commentator Ben Shapiro set the tone by condemning fellow Republicans for promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitism. He called out individuals like Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson, and Steve Bannon for their roles in perpetuating divisive rhetoric.
Shapiro’s remarks sparked rebuttals from those he criticized, with Carlson, Bannon, and Kelly pushing back against his accusations. The public disagreements underscored the ongoing struggle within the conservative movement.
The event also saw Vivek Ramaswamy condemning the notion of a “Heritage American” and addressing the bigotry faced by marginalized groups. Vice President JD Vance, however, downplayed concerns about growing intolerance within the party.
The conflicting views and debates at the conference mirrored the broader rifts within the Republican Party, reflecting ongoing struggles over issues of racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia.
Erika Kirk, now leading TPUSA after her husband’s passing, characterized the disagreements as a necessary part of a healthy dialogue within the conservative movement.
