After three consecutive days of fratricidal fighting in the MAGA camp during Turning Point's AmericaFest, leading Republicans — including Vice President JD Vance — finally tried to find common ground on Sunday, December 21, by turning their attention to the fight against political opponents.
“President Trump failed to build the greatest coalition in political history by subjecting his supporters to endless, self-destructive tests of ideological purity,” Vance said to thunderous applause.
– he added.
First the war within our own ranks, then a quick change of front and a common enemy. MAGA is trying to regain the initiative before internal conflict destroys Trump's political ambitions.
In his speech, Vance sharply attacked the “far left” in the Democratic Party, presenting its policies as harmful to Americans and holding her responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk in September.
At the same time, he praised the Trump administration's policies on immigration, vaccinations and transgender issues, urging the audience to be fully committed ahead of next year's congressional midterm elections.
— If you miss Charlie Kirk, do you promise to fight for what he gave his life for? Do you promise to take back the country from those who killed it? Vance asked the crowd.
His speech at the Phoenix Convention Center was the culmination of a weekend festival attended by approximately 30,000 people. President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters.
Vice President JD Vance speaks on the final day of Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, USA, December 21, 2025.CAYLO SEALS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP / AFP
But until Sunday, the event was overshadowed by a major split within the party, which became apparent on the first night, Thursday, when conservative commentator Ben Shapiro sharply criticized several influential members of the “MAGA world” — especially Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Steve Bannon.
— The conservative movement is in grave danger, Shapiro said, pointing to “charlatans who spread conspiracy theories and dishonesty under the guise of principles.”
This tone continued on Friday and Saturday. Vivek Ramaswamy — former presidential candidate and current Republican Party candidate for governor of Ohio — described this moment as “a time of choice for the conservative movement“.
Like Shapiro, Ramaswamy devoted considerable attention to Carlson and his interview with Nick Fuentes — a far-right influencer and Holocaust denier. He quoted Fuentes' most controversial statements and emphasized that “they have no place in this movement.”
Steve Bannon then took the stage and completely reversed the narrative, comparing Shapiro to “a cancer that's spreading.”
“Ben Shapiro is everything but MAGA,” Bannon told the crowd.
“We'll kick their asses”
The sold-out annual convention was the first such event since the organization's founder, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed during a public appearance in Utah in September. The program featured appearances from numerous members of the conservative movement – from commentators and politicians to candidates and religious leaders – and culminated in speeches Sunday by Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Johnson called last weekend “an epic and faithful fight that will truly decide the future of our great republic,” while stressing the importance of maintaining control of the House of Representatives ahead of next year's midterm elections.
Vance also devoted much of his speech to the upcoming election, sharply attacking Democratic Senate candidates Graham Platner of Maine and Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who are running in close primaries.
“We're going to kick their asses next November,” Vance said of the Democrats, and the crowd immediately erupted in chants of “USA!”
Indicating the real enemy
In addition to Johnson and Vance, other Sunday speakers also sought to bridge the divisions that had surfaced in previous days.
“I choose to build a movement based on principle and strength, a movement that loves its people — even when they sometimes get on your nerves,” said Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, a candidate for governor. — It's impossible to win if we can't focus on the common mission.
Donald Trump Jr. speaks on stage at Turning Point's annual AmericaFest conference, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, December 21, 2025.OLIVIER TOURON / AFP / AFP
Son of US President Donald Trump Jr. also tried to shift attention back to Democrats.
The real enemy? It's not Steve Bannon, it's not Tucker Carlson and it's not Ben Shapiro. This is the radical left that murdered Charlie and celebrated it every day
– he said to the crowd.
The political views of Tyler Robinson, Kirk's alleged killer, who has been charged with numerous charges – including aggravated murder – are not easy to clearly determine.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
