Turning Point USA (TPUSA) hosted its AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona, which has drawn attention for both its memorialization of founder Charlie Kirk and the visible discord among conservative leaders. The conference included a recreation of the booth where Kirk was shot in September, a display that has sparked backlash even among some supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Critics have described the memorial as exploitative, raising concerns about the intersection of political discourse and violence in contemporary culture.

Erika Kirk, now leading TPUSA, emphasized her role as a mother during the event, which featured notable conservative figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Ben Shapiro, and Tucker Carlson. Disagreements emerged over topics like Israel and the concept of 'heritage Americans,' with Vivek Ramaswamy arguing for a more inclusive definition of American identity based on shared values rather than lineage. This reflects a broader debate within conservative circles about identity politics.

Attendees expressed a desire to focus on economic issues rather than identity disputes, highlighting the impact of tariffs on agriculture. The conference concluded with a call for unity among conservatives, despite evident divisions, as Representative Anna Paulina Luna reminded attendees of the collective stakes involved in upcoming elections.

In a related controversy, Jennifer Welch, a left-wing podcaster, criticized CBS News for airing a town hall featuring Erika Kirk, arguing that the network's focus detracted from pressing issues like economic burdens and healthcare crises. Welch's comments underscore a growing sentiment among progressives regarding the need for media accountability and the prioritization of substantive journalism over sensationalism.

The AmericaFest event, framed as a tribute to Charlie Kirk's legacy, also highlighted the fragmentation within the conservative movement, particularly following his assassination. Visible discord among attendees, including public criticisms from Ben Shapiro towards Tucker Carlson's associations with controversial figures, reflects a growing polarization. The absence of Kirk, who previously unified various factions, has led to increased ideological splits, with some attendees expressing skepticism towards Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

The conference concluded with a performance by rapper Nicki Minaj, who expressed support for Trump and Vance, illustrating the evolving landscape of political alliances within the conservative movement.