Erika Kirk backs JD Vance for 2028 at Turning Point USA fest
Conservatives debate strategy at America Fest as Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for the presidency, signaling early jockeying and sparking intra-movement clashes.
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, publicly endorsed JD Vance for the presidency during Turning Point USA's America Fest in Phoenix, signaling early positioning for the 2028 race. The endorsement comes as the annual gathering draws attention to the future direction of the GOP and its leadership after Trump.
On opening day she said her late husband’s ally, JD Vance, should become the 48th president, while Vance is set to address the crowd on Sunday.
Turning Point USA has long been credited with helping Donald Trump broaden his coalition, contributing to his victory in 2024. The event underscored early efforts within the movement to shape leadership after Trump.
As Erika Kirk spoke, tensions within the conservative camp surfaced on stage. Podcaster Ben Shapiro criticized media rivals Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon, calling them fraudsters and grifters.
Owens, once a Turning Point employee and now a prominent podcast host, has promoted controversial theories, including unfounded claims surrounding Charlie Kirk's death.
These moments come amid broader debate over Trump’s grip on the party and the direction of the MAGA movement, with infighting among factions.
Shapiro also condemned Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, a far-right commentator and Holocaust denier, on his podcast in October, triggering widespread backlash.
Carlson fired back, calling Shapiro pompous and joking about deplatforming at a Charlie Kirk event.
Turning Point gatherings are known for tackling provocative topics under the banner of free speech, a stance supporters defend and critics challenge as divisive.
Authorities described the Charlie Kirk incident by noting that the alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, told a partner he acted out of anger toward Kirk's rhetoric.
Erika Kirk urged attendees to accept disagreement: You won’t agree with everyone on this stage this weekend, and that’s okay. Welcome to America. She added that since Kirk’s death, fractures have appeared and bridges burned unnecessarily.
Trump has faced setbacks within the party, including public tensions with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and renewed interest in the Epstein documents, which some Republicans supported despite Trump’s earlier reservations.
The four-day America Fest continues, with JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr scheduled to speak on Sunday.
Expert commentary
Expert comment: Analysts say TPUSA’s outreach highlights ongoing competition to shape the party after Trump. The event’s dynamics could influence how different MAGA factions position themselves for 2028.
Summary: Erika Kirk’s endorsement at America Fest signals early jockeying for the 2028 GOP nomination, while the gathering showcased intra-movement tensions and media clashes. With Vance and Trump Jr on the program, the conference remains a focal point for conservative messaging.
Key takeaway: The path to 2028 is taking shape at crowded gatherings where endorsements and media feuds reveal the party’s evolving leadership questions. BBC coverage
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