In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s untimely death, Turning Point USA has embarked on its first national conference, AmericaFest, in Phoenix. This event, usually a hub for conservative voices, is now marked by internal challenges within the MAGA movement.
MILES PARKS, HOST:
Just three months after the tragic loss of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA is striving to sustain his legacy. Over 30,000 supporters have gathered for AmericaFest, the organization’s annual event. NPR’s political reporter, Elena Moore, is covering the event and joins us now. Hi, Elena.
ELENA MOORE, BYLINE: Hey, Miles.
PARKS: How does this conference feel without Charlie Kirk’s presence? I assume his memory is quite prevalent.
MOORE: Indeed, it is. While the event carries on with its usual flair of conservative merchandise and speeches from notable right-wing figures, reminders of Charlie Kirk are omnipresent. Attendees can find shirts mimicking the freedom tee Kirk wore when he was killed and a tent set up like his Prove Me Wrong event.
PARKS: With Erika Kirk now stepping in as CEO, this is her largest event to date. What has her message been?
MOORE: Erika is committed to carrying forward her husband’s vision, emphasizing the growth of the GOP’s youth branch.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ERIKA KIRK: Don’t you dare let anyone tell you you’re too young, you’re not smart enough, and you’re not connected enough. As long as you’re a part of Turning Point USA, we will empower you and give whatever you need to be able to make that come to life.
MOORE: However, Erika Kirk’s leadership comes amid tensions that have complicated the organization’s messages recently.
PARKS: There’s been some discord among the speakers, correct? Could you elaborate?
MOORE: Yes, indeed. Tensions flared when Ben Shapiro criticized right-wing media figures for propagating conspiracy theories about Kirk’s death, specifically calling out Tucker Carlson for his interview with Nick Fuentes, whom Kirk opposed.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
BEN SHAPIRO: He knew that Nick Fuentes is an evil troll and that building him up is an act of moral imbecility. And that is precisely what Tucker Carlson did. He built Nick Fuentes up.
MOORE: Carlson responded by rejecting claims of antisemitism. Shapiro’s remarks on the responsibility of media figures to choose their narratives carefully have been a recurring theme at the conference.
PARKS: You’ve interacted with the young attendees here. What are their thoughts?
MOORE: Many, like 25-year-old Ange Perez, are deeply affected by Kirk’s death.
ANGE PEREZ: It makes me really emotional because I viewed him as, like – he’s my hero. And I always saw him as, like, an older brother that I never had.
MOORE: Despite their sorrow, Kirk’s passing has inspired many young conservatives to deepen their political engagement. For some, his death was a catalyst to become more involved.
PARKS: Looking ahead, what are the key events to watch?
MOORE: Tomorrow promises significant attention with speeches by Donald Trump Jr. and Vice President JD Vance. Notably, Vance is delivering the final address, marking a shift from past events dominated by President Trump. This change might indicate Turning Point’s strategic direction for future GOP leadership, with Erika Kirk already endorsing Vance.
PARKS: Although Vance isn’t officially running, could Kirk’s endorsement be influential?
MOORE: Absolutely. With Turning Point’s influence over the MAGA youth, maintaining engagement with younger voters is crucial. As Gen Z and Millennials will make up a majority of voters by 2028, keeping their engagement is vital.
PARKS: That was NPR political reporter Elena Moore from Phoenix. Thank you.
MOORE: Thanks, Miles.
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