In Phoenix from December 19 to 21, 2025, the Turning Point USA organization hosted its annual AmericaFest, marking the first major event since the assassination of its founder, Charlie Kirk. The gathering was characterized by a mix of youthful enthusiasm and noticeable discord among its speakers, reflecting deeper rifts within the conservative movement.
Content creators, eager to capture the moment, roamed the convention center with man-on-the-street style interviews. Young attendees, many aspiring influencers, occupied tables adorned with slogans like “Prove Me Wrong.” They engaged passersby in debates on contentious issues, including the ongoing conflict in Israel and controversial figures such as white nationalist Nick Fuentes. The atmosphere was charged, yet many participants seemed distracted by their own ambitions rather than the discussions at hand.
Inside the convention center, Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech advocating for a big-tent coalition. His remarks came against a backdrop of rising tensions within the party concerning antisemitism, racism, and conspiracy theories. Although he called for unity, the reality of infighting among prominent figures was palpable as speakers exchanged barbs.
The event featured a range of merchandise, with tables overflowing with trucker hats and T-shirts emblazoned with phrases such as “Live like Charlie” and “I am Charlie.” These items served as mementos for attendees, many of whom expressed a desire to connect with Kirk’s legacy rather than engage in the ideological battles unfolding around them.
The atmosphere shifted as the crowd gathered to hear from Ben Shapiro, a co-founder of the media company The Daily Wire. His presence drew excitement, yet even in this environment, the primary focus for many was not political discourse but rather social engagement and entertainment. As the crowd danced and laughed, the event’s serious undertones appeared to fade into the background.
A stark reminder of the event’s significance was found in the remnants of the gathering. A poster featuring Charlie Kirk lay on a chair, symbolizing the unresolved tensions that continued to influence the organization. Despite the fervor for content creation and personal branding, the divisions within the conservative movement could not be easily overlooked.
As AmericaFest concluded, the juxtaposition of youthful energy and ideological strife left an impression on attendees. While the event aimed to foster a united front, the distractions of personal ambition and the visible fractures within the party painted a complex picture of the current state of American conservatism.
