Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, endorsed JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election at the organization's annual America Fest conference. The announcement was made on Thursday, the opening day of the four-day event in Phoenix, Arizona.
Endorsement and Conference Overview
- Erika Kirk stated that Turning Point USA would work to elect JD Vance as the 48th president, referencing her husband's connection to Vance.
- Senator JD Vance is scheduled to speak at the conference on Sunday.
- Turning Point USA has been recognized for its role in supporting Republican President Donald Trump, including his 2024 presidential election victory. Kirk's endorsement of Vance occurred before President Trump's first year in office was complete, indicating early positioning for the 2028 election cycle.
Conservative Movement Discussions and Disagreements
Following Erika Kirk's opening remarks, several prominent conservative figures spoke, leading to public criticisms and discussions among them.
- Ben Shapiro's Statements: Podcaster Ben Shapiro criticized various media personalities, including Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon, referring to them as "fraudsters and grifters."
- Shapiro also stated, "The people who refused to condemn Candace's truly vicious attacks - and some of them are speaking here tonight - are guilty of cowardice."
- Candace Owens's Background: Owens, a former Turning Point employee and podcast host, has faced criticism from within Republican circles and has promoted conspiracy theories, including claims related to Charlie Kirk's death.
- Tucker Carlson's Response: Shapiro also criticized former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for an interview conducted in late October with Nick Fuentes, a far-right political commentator known for Holocaust denial, which drew widespread condemnation. Carlson later took the stage and responded to Shapiro's comments, stating, "That guy is pompous. Calls to deplatform at a Charlie Kirk event? That's hilarious."
Context of Internal Party Dynamics
These public exchanges occurred amidst ongoing discussions regarding former President Trump's influence within the Republican party and internal disagreements among his supporters concerning the direction of the 'Make America Great Again' movement.
- Charlie Kirk's Turning Point events have historically featured discussions on topics described as controversial and divisive. Supporters have characterized these discussions as essential for free speech, while critics have described them as hate-mongering.
- Authorities previously reported that Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, stated he killed Kirk due to "enough of his hatred."
- Erika Kirk acknowledged internal divisions at the conference, stating, "You won't agree with everyone on this stage this weekend. And that's okay. Welcome to America. We've seen fractures, we've seen bridges being burned that shouldn't be burnt."
- Former President Trump has recently encountered various political challenges within the Republican party. These include a public disagreement with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and the recent vote by a majority of Republican members to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, despite Trump's initial opposition.
Conference Continuation
The America Fest conference is scheduled to conclude through the weekend, with Senator JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. among the scheduled guest speakers for Sunday.