Conservatives Clash at Turning Point Over MAGA Future/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Deep divisions within the conservative movement erupted at the Turning Point USA conference as key figures like Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson publicly clashed over the future of MAGA. The event, meant to honor slain founder Charlie Kirk, was marked by accusations, conspiracy theories, and ideological rifts. These tensions reflect growing uncertainty about post-Trump Republican leadership.
Turning Point USA Conference Conflict Quick Looks
- Shapiro called Carlson and others “grifters” spreading conspiracy theories.
- Carlson mocked Shapiro’s criticisms and defended his positions.
- The event was the first since Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September.
- Erika Kirk urged unity and denounced conspiracies about her husband’s death.
- Candace Owens alleged without evidence Israeli involvement in Kirk’s murder.
- Shapiro criticized Carlson for platforming antisemitic figures like Nick Fuentes.
- Carlson denied antisemitism and said anti-white bias is more widespread.
- The feud reflects divisions on Israel, antisemitism, and MAGA’s future.
- Carlson dismissed rumors of GOP civil war, calling them manufactured.
- Owens and Erika Kirk attempted détente but resumed public disputes.
- The conference attracted thousands, with major conservative figures attending.
- JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. are scheduled to speak next.
- ICE and Border Patrol had recruiting booths at the event.
- Attendees dressed in patriotic gear and paid tribute to Kirk.
Deep Look: MAGA Movement Fractures at Turning Point USA Conference
PHOENIX — Deep ideological and personal rifts within the conservative movement burst into public view Thursday during the opening night of the Turning Point USA conference, as leading right-wing voices clashed over the direction of the MAGA movement.
What was intended as a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk — the charismatic founder of Turning Point who was assassinated in September — instead became a battleground of competing visions for the post-Trump conservative future.
The conference, one of the largest gatherings of young conservatives in the country, opened with sharp attacks from commentator Ben Shapiro. On stage, Shapiro denounced former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and others as “grifters and charlatans” who peddle conspiracy theories and mislead their audiences. His sharpest rebuke came over Carlson’s decision to interview Nick Fuentes, a known antisemite, calling it “an act of moral imbecility.”
Just an hour later, Carlson took the same stage and mocked Shapiro’s remarks, brushing off the criticism. “I watched it. I laughed,” he said, defending his approach and dismissing Shapiro’s attempts to “deplatform and denounce” dissenting voices.
Carlson further criticized Shapiro’s invocation of Kirk’s legacy to support censorship, saying, “To hear calls for deplatforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event, I’m like, what? This is hilarious.” Carlson, denying any antisemitic intent, claimed that anti-white racism was more prevalent and damaging than antisemitism in America.
These fiery exchanges underscored the growing rift within the right — between traditional conservative influencers and a newer faction that embraces fringe narratives, questions longstanding foreign policy positions, and often uses populist rhetoric over ideological clarity.
Erika Kirk, now leading the organization after her husband’s death, opened the event with a warning about internal divisions. “We’ve seen fractures, we’ve seen bridges being burned that shouldn’t be burnt,” she said. Her remarks alluded to both the broader conservative divide and the specific fallout surrounding conspiracy theories about her husband’s murder.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old who allegedly carried out the shooting, has not entered a plea. Authorities say Robinson told his partner he acted because he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.” Despite this, conspiracy theories have flourished in conservative circles.
Candace Owens, a former Turning Point employee and now a prominent podcaster, has promoted baseless claims that Kirk was targeted by Israeli intelligence or betrayed by his inner circle. During a CBS town hall, Erika Kirk forcefully rebuked such theories with a single word: “Stop.” She added that such false claims could taint the jury pool and help her husband’s killer avoid justice.
Although Owens and Erika Kirk attempted a temporary truce ahead of the conference, it quickly dissolved. Owens returned to her podcast and said she still doubts Robinson acted alone. She also responded to Shapiro’s criticisms by repeating her claim that Israel was involved in Kirk’s murder, writing:
“Ben only cares about Israel’s interests. So Israel is involved.”
Shapiro’s criticisms and Owens’ rebuttal reflect a growing ideological divide in the Republican Party over support for Israel, particularly as the Israel-Gaza conflict continues. Some younger conservatives have begun questioning traditional pro-Israel stances, suggesting they conflict with Trump’s “America First” ethos.
Carlson echoed those sentiments during his speech, criticizing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and stating that killing innocent children is immoral, whether it happens in “Minneapolis or Gaza City.”
Despite the controversy, the Turning Point conference continues. Thousands of attendees — many wearing red, white, and blue, or “Make America Great Again” hats — filled the venue. Exhibits included Christian colleges, anti-abortion organizations, ICE and Border Patrol recruitment booths, and an armored tactical vehicle on display.
Right-wing podcasters and influencers recorded their shows live in the hallways. Selfie stations and signs reading “we are all Charlie Kirk” were popular among attendees.
Daren Struiksma, 20, from South Dakota, said he came out of a sense of duty. “I just felt like I had an obligation to be here,” he said.
There are still three days remaining in the conference. Vice President JD Vance is expected to deliver a major speech on Sunday, along with Donald Trump Jr. The lineup also includes Christian rock bands, conservative media figures, and panel discussions focused on organizing, faith, and cultural issues.
As the conservative movement wrestles with internal fractures, Turning Point’s AmericaFest has become a stage not only for celebration but for confrontation — one that may foreshadow even deeper divisions ahead in the Republican Party’s future.
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