Politics

Conservative Gathering Marked by Public Disputes and 2028 Speculation

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Dec 20, 2025

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A Turning Point USA "America Fest" conference in Phoenix, described as the organization's largest gathering since its founder's death, featured public disagreements between conservative commentators and early discussions about the 2028 presidential election. The event, which took place on December 18 and drew over 30,000 attendees, also celebrated Donald Trump's return to the White House.

During the conference, public divisions were on display. Commentator Ben Shapiro reportedly called fellow commentators Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon "frauds and grifters." Shapiro was also said to have criticized Carlson for interviewing an individual described as a Holocaust denier. In his own remarks, Carlson reportedly called Shapiro "pompous" and spoke against cancel culture. Erika Kirk, the organization's new CEO and widow of founder Charlie Kirk, addressed the movement's fractures and urged the crowd to embrace disagreement.

The event also served as a venue for speculation on the 2028 presidential race. Vice President JD Vance, who was scheduled to give a closing speech, was identified by many attendees in interviews as a favored potential Republican nominee. Erika Kirk reportedly pledged that Turning Point USA would help elect Vance to the presidency in 2028.

According to Kirk, the organization's membership has grown to over one million, with 140,000 people joining since September. On the Democratic side, interviews with attendees suggested Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was seen as a viable potential nominee. Shapiro himself has dismissed any interest in a presidential campaign, stating in an interview that he lives "in the real world in Pennsylvania."

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• High-profile commentators engaged in public disputes during the event. According to the article, public divisions were evident at the conference. Commentator Ben Shapiro reportedly referred to fellow commentators Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon as "frauds and grifters," while Carlson in his own remarks was said to have called Shapiro "pompous."

• One commentator was criticized for his choice of interview subjects. The disagreements included substantive criticism of professional conduct. The article states that Shapiro was said to have criticized Carlson for interviewing an individual who was described as a Holocaust denier.

• The organization's new leader acknowledged internal fractures. The movement's internal tensions were significant enough to be addressed by its leadership. Erika Kirk, the organization's new CEO, spoke to the crowd about the movement's fractures and made a plea for attendees to embrace disagreement.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The early focus on the 2028 election may accelerate the next campaign cycle, influencing fundraising, media coverage, and potential candidate strategies for both parties.

• Public disputes among influential commentators could alter the content and tone of conservative media, potentially affecting the political information available to the public.

• A large conservative group’s pledge to support a specific 2028 candidate could influence the Republican primary, affecting future party platforms and policy priorities.

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