The recent tensions within the MAGA movement during the TPUSA AmericaFest have drawn considerable attention from mainstream media. However, they have largely overlooked the deeper conflicts at play.
To understand the backdrop of this discord, we need to consider former President Trump’s dismal approval ratings:
📊 GALLUP POLL – Trump Approval
🟢 Approve: 36% (-23)
🟤 Disapprove: 59%
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• Dem: 3-93 (-90)
• GOP: 89-8 (+81)
• Indie: 25-68 (-43)
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• Ages 18-34: 25-68 (-43)
• Ages 35-54: 36-59 (-23)
• Ages 55+: 43-53 (-10)
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• No College: 37-55 (-18)
• College grad: 37-59 (-22)… pic.twitter.com/HfE3GOeZSW— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) December 22, 2025
A Haunting Absence
Before delving into the event’s speakers, it’s crucial to mention the prominent figure whose absence loomed large throughout the conference.
This absence belongs to Candace Owens, self-proclaimed most popular podcaster (ranked #8 in the U.S. on Spotify). Her lack of presence resonated throughout TPUSA, sparking discussions among various speakers.
The significance of Owens is evident in a Washington Post op-ed entitled “A Conference of Clowns,” which highlights her influence:
The group did not book podcaster Candace Owens, known for her conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk’s murder. She suggested the accused assassin, Tyler Robinson, was merely a pawn of larger forces. In early October, Owens claimed that Kirk appeared to her in a dream and expressed feelings of betrayal, a claim difficult to verify.
A more nuanced view can be found in an op-ed by Michelle Goldberg in the NYT:
Owens is seen as unhinged, yet Erika Kirk’s recent trip to Nashville, facilitated by conservative figure Megyn Kelly, underscores her growing influence, which leaders in the right-wing can no longer afford to dismiss. Kelly insisted that while she believes in the official story regarding Kirk’s murder, she acknowledges that many people feel there are inconsistencies and unanswered questions.
Despite a private meeting with Erika Kirk, Owens remained unapologetic, as noted in a Vanity Fair article:
Owens has taken to her YouTube channel, which has nearly 5.7 million subscribers, to promote imaginative theories surrounding Charlie’s death. She has suggested ulterior motives from countries like Israel and France and hinted that other associates of Kirk’s organization may have played a role in it.
Now, let’s turn to the intricate details of the conference itself.
Conflict on Stage
Despite predictions of a political reckoning following Kirk’s death, the aftermath revealed a right-wing faction more fragmented than ever. Instead of a unified front, AmericaFest became a platform for public disputes among its attendees.
Unlike the more discreet approaches of previous Republican administrations, the current political climate embraces open disagreements, broadcasted live from Phoenix, Arizona, at what Politico termed “a weekend-long festival for 30,000 of President Trump’s most fervent supporters.”
TPUSA’s hostess, Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie, characterized the event as “like a family gathering where old grievances surface.”
She also remarked that since Kirk’s passing, “we’ve seen fractures and bridges burned that should not have been.” The environment at TPUSA, while reverential, was fraught with tension and conflict.
Ben Shapiro Sets the Tone
Shapiro kicked off the festivities with remarks honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk. He emphasized the honor of following Erika Kirk, referring to her as a “heroic figure” and “true American patriot.” However, the coverage primarily highlighted his sharp critiques directed at Candace Owens, Steve Bannon, Megyn Kelly, and Tucker Carlson, often overlooking the broader context of these conflicts.
The mainstream media captured Shapiro’s diatribes against Owens, labeling her statements “hideous and conspiratorial,” while he positioned his comments within a framework of morality towards the individuals present at TPUSA.
Shapiro criticized Owens’s comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s murder, stating that individuals with a public platform have a moral duty to call out baseless claims.
Interestingly, Shapiro received the loudest applause during an exchange about Israel’s historical actions, indicating a marked interest among attendees regarding broader geopolitical issues.
Tucker Carlson’s Tactical Response
In sharp contrast, Tucker Carlson’s appearance seemed to deflect some of the heat from Shapiro’s remarks. His closing segment resonated deeply with attendees as he framed the internal conflicts as “completely fabricated.”
Carlson questioned the authenticity of the so-called civil war within the Trump coalition, arguing that it primarily reflects a struggle for power in a post-Trump era.
He articulated that a key issue revolves around who will lead the powerful coalition that Trump has assembled, emphasizing that it’s not about ideology but about maintaining influence.
Carlson advocated for the core principle of the Trump movement—America First—as vital for the movement’s future.
He condemned the tendency to resort to “identity politics,” drawing a sharp line against anti-Semitism while asserting the importance of moral clarity in such discussions.
Steve Bannon’s Controversial Claims
Steve Bannon took the stage next, not shying away from addressing Shapiro and his camp directly. He underscored his disagreements with the “Israel First” mindset of certain members by invoking Charlie Kirk’s legacy, claiming that Kirk had actively opposed entanglements that would undermine American interests.
Bannon characterized Shapiro and others as detrimental to both Israel and U.S. foreign policy, indicative of a larger ideological battle.
Later, he described the 12 Day War between Israel and Iran and challenged mainstream narratives, characterizing the incident in ways rarely discussed in the media.
Megyn Kelly Joins the Fray
Megyn Kelly’s remarks during her interview with Jack Posobiec provided further insight into the evolving dynamics within the conservative movement post-Kirk. She pointed out that the divisions were evident even before Kirk’s passing and have since grown.
Kelly noted that while she and Kirk shared unwavering support for Israel, their discussions had become contentious, reflecting the shifting perspectives within the new generation of conservative supporters.
Attention Turns to Vance
In a closing address, J.D. Vance attempted to unify the often fractious audience by emphasizing collective action over division, though his remarks drifted into contentious territory regarding race and identity.
Vance emphasized that America should be inclusive, regardless of background, yet his comments fell amid ongoing discussions about the party’s relationship with various demographics.
Throughout the conference, it became clear that the MAGA movement is grappling with profound internal disagreements and identity issues that may shape its future direction.
In summary, the dynamics seen at TPUSA AmericaFest reflect the broader uncertainties and evolving debates within the Republican Party as it navigates a transformative period. As we look ahead, it remains crucial to observe how these conflicts will influence not only the party’s trajectory but also its relationship with its diverse base of supporters.
