Erika Kirk backs JD Vance for 2028 presidency at Turning Point

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered the opening remarks at Turning Point USA's flagship America Fest in Phoenix, publicly endorsing JD Vance for the 2028 presidential race. The moment underscored a strategic push within conservative circles as the party weighs its next leader.

Her endorsement comes as the movement's largest gathering since Kirk's death last September, signaling early jockeying to shape the post-Trump era while the sitting vice president has not yet announced any bid.

Endorsement and event dynamics

In remarks that drew cheers, Erika Kirk said, "We are going to get my husband's friend, JD Vance, elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible," a reference to the 48th presidency after Donald Trump, who is the 47th.

Vance is scheduled to speak at the conference later in the weekend, as Turning Point USA continues to influence conservative messaging and grassroots outreach.

Intra-movement tensions

The four-day event quickly turned into a forum for clashes within the right. Podcaster Ben Shapiro attacked several media figures as "fraudsters and grifters," taking aim at Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly and Steve Bannon.

Owens, a former Turning Point employee who hosts a popular podcast, has advanced controversial theories, including unfounded claims about Charlie Kirk's death, illustrating the deep divides inside the GOP's MAGA wing.

Shapiro also condemned Carlson for inviting Nick Fuentes, a far-right commentator who has faced widespread criticism for Holocaust denial, sparking renewed controversy on stage.

Carlson later fired back, calling Shapiro pompous and quipping that trying to deplatform a Charlie Kirk event is "hilarious."

Context and outlook

Charlie Kirk's events have long sparked debate: supporters view them as essential for free speech, while critics call them provocative. The current discussion reflects broader questions about Trump's influence and the future direction of MAGA within the party.

Erika Kirk urged unity amid disagreement, noting that the assassination sparked fractures that should be bridged rather than burned. The GOP landscape has also faced internal strains, including public disputes among Trump allies and the anticipated release of Epstein-related files, which a majority of Republicans supported despite some objections from Trump.

The four-day America Fest continues, with JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. among the speakers scheduled for Sunday, underscoring the event's focus on 2028 strategy and messaging.

Expert perspective

Expert comment: A political analyst says the gathering highlights ongoing factional debates within the GOP as it plots its path to the next presidential election, with media influence playing a central role in shaping messaging.

Summary

Summary: Erika Kirk's open backing of JD Vance signals early momentum for his candidacy within a crowded field. The conference reveals how internal party disagreements and media narratives impact the road to 2028, even as Trump remains a central figure. The outcome will hinge on how the party balances loyalty to established leaders with the push for new voices.

Key insight: Erika Kirk’s endorsement signals early realignment within the GOP toward JD Vance as a leading candidate for 2028, while exposing ongoing tensions over strategy and media roles. Source: BBC

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