Infighting Erupts at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest Conference

The AmericaFest conference, organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in December 2023, devolved into significant infighting among prominent figures within the MAGA movement. This marked the first event since the tragic murder of founder Charlie Kirk in September 2023. Intended as a tribute to Kirk, the gathering instead showcased a public display of grievances among right-wing influencers, revealing deep divisions within the conservative landscape.

During the opening night, political commentator Ben Shapiro delivered some of the most pointed critiques. He condemned fellow influencers for their perceived complicity in mainstreaming controversial figures, particularly calling out former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for his interview with white nationalist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes. Shapiro stated, “Kirk despised the evil troll Fuentes, and offering him any platform is an act of moral imbecility.” His remarks underscored the tension surrounding Fuentes’ rising influence within the movement, which Kirk had actively opposed.

Shapiro’s criticisms extended to a range of right-wing personalities, including Candace Owens, accusing her of spreading conspiracy theories regarding Kirk’s death. He labeled her comments—suggesting involvement from Israeli intelligence or implicating TPUSA itself—as “lazy and stupid.” He continued, “When Candace Owens says, ‘I don’t know, but I know,’ that is ret***ed, and we are all more ret***ed for having heard it.”

As the conference progressed, Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, acknowledged the ongoing discord among attendees. She remarked, “You won’t agree with everyone on this stage this weekend. And that’s OK. Welcome to America.” Her statement highlighted the stark reality of the fractured movement that Kirk had once unified.

The event also saw moments of near-violence, with video footage emerging of Blaze host John Doyle confronting supporters of Fuentes, known as Groypers. These confrontations reflect ongoing struggles within the MAGA faction over how to integrate or reject extremist views. According to Will Sommer of The Bulwark, the infighting is emblematic of a broader turmoil following Kirk’s death, stating, “Watching TPUSA convention, it’s striking how much Charlie Kirk’s firewall against Nick Fuentes and white nationalism has evaporated.”

Carlson responded to Shapiro’s criticisms with sarcasm, joking about missing the “meaningful” parts of the event and poking fun at calls for “deplatforming” during a memorial for Kirk. This exchange further illustrated the chaotic atmosphere at AmericaFest, where loyalty to Kirk clashed with the evolving dynamics of the MAGA movement.

As the conference unfolded, the tensions among influential right-wing figures raised questions about the future direction of the conservative movement in the wake of Kirk’s assassination. The growing acceptance of controversial voices within the community signals a potential shift, leaving many to wonder how the legacy of Charlie Kirk will be defined moving forward.