Conservative Leaders Clash at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest

PHOENIX — The annual AmericaFest convention hosted by Turning Point USA showcased a turbulent landscape within conservative politics, marked by personal attacks and ideological clashes. As the event unfolded, Erika Kirk, who leads Turning Point following her husband Charlie’s tragic assassination in September, attempted to maintain a positive outlook. “Say what you want about AmFest, but it’s definitely not boring,” Kirk remarked, comparing the atmosphere to “a Thanksgiving dinner where your family’s hashing out the family business.” This metaphor seemed apt, as prominent conservative figures directed their ire at one another rather than their usual left-wing adversaries.

The four-day event featured heated exchanges that could shape the future of the Republican Party. Notably, many attendees expressed concerns about the evolving boundaries of the party and its coalition under former President Donald Trump.

Shapiro’s Scathing Remarks Set the Tone

The convention’s tone was established early by Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the Daily Wire, who delivered a fiery address shortly after Kirk’s opening. He launched an attack on fellow conservative commentators, labeling some of the movement’s best-known figures as “morally bankrupt.” Shapiro specifically criticized Candace Owens, accusing her of spreading “hideous and conspiratorial nonsense,” and condemned Tucker Carlson for hosting Nick Fuentes, whom he described as an antisemite.

Barely an hour later, Carlson responded from the same stage, deriding Shapiro’s attempts to “deplatform and denounce” dissenters within the movement. “I watched it,” Carlson said, “I laughed.” The exchanges became increasingly personal, with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon calling Shapiro “like a cancer” that spreads within the conservative movement. Megyn Kelly further belittled Shapiro, declaring their friendship over and expressing resentment towards his self-appointed role in policing conservative discourse.

Owens, who faced backlash for her conspiracy theories regarding Charlie Kirk’s death, was notably absent from the event. However, she took to her podcast to label Shapiro a “miserable imp,” further illustrating the tensions within the conservative ranks.

Debate Over Israel and Antisemitism

The topic of Israel emerged as a contentious issue during the conference. Some participants questioned whether the Republican Party’s traditional support for Israel conflicted with Trump’s “America First” rhetoric. Carlson’s remarks criticizing civilian casualties in Gaza echoed sentiments more commonly heard among progressive circles. Attendees also revisited controversial historical events, such as Israel’s attack on the USS Liberty in 1967, which some argue was a deliberate act, while others maintain it was a tragic mistake.

Bannon accused Shapiro, who is Jewish, and other staunch Israel supporters of being part of an “Israel first crowd.” Kelly added her voice, suggesting that criticism from Shapiro and Bari Weiss, the new head of CBS News, was intrinsically linked to their pro-Israel stance. This internal division over Israel highlights the growing schisms within the conservative movement.

Turning Point Backs JD Vance for 2024

In a show of solidarity, Erika Kirk publicly endorsed JD Vance, the Vice President, as the next Republican presidential nominee. “We are going to get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” she declared on the first night of the convention. Vance’s potential candidacy, if successful, would see him become the 48th president, following Trump. Turning Point USA, known for its extensive volunteer network, could play a crucial role in Vance’s campaign, particularly in early primary states.

Vance, who had a close relationship with Charlie Kirk, is set to deliver the closing address of the convention, further solidifying his standing within the organization.

MAHA’s Rising Influence Within MAGA

The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement also made a notable appearance at AmericaFest, underlining its increasing significance within the right-wing landscape. Led by Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services, MAHA seeks to align health initiatives with conservative values. However, tensions have surfaced within the broader Make America Great Again (MAGA) coalition, particularly concerning environmental regulations.

Wellness influencer Alex Clark, whose podcast is affiliated with Turning Point, questioned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) alignment with conservative principles, asking the crowd, “Is the EPA with us or against us?” She claimed that “big chemical, big ag and big food are trying to split MAGA from MAHA.” Clark and her supporters have urged Trump to dismiss EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, prompting Zeldin to engage with MAHA activists. The EPA responded by announcing plans to collaborate with MAHA on upcoming initiatives, signaling a possible shift in policy focus.

As AmericaFest concluded, the events underscored a fractious yet dynamic conservative landscape, with leaders grappling over their identities and future directions. The ongoing disputes and alliances formed during this convention may very well influence the trajectory of the Republican Party and its strategies leading into the 2024 elections.