Erika Kirk endorses JD Vance for president at tense conservative event

December 19, 2025

Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, announced at Turning Point USA's America Fest conference that the organization would work to elect Vice President JD Vance as president in 2028, even though Vance has not declared his candidacy. The conference's opening day exposed deep divisions within the conservative movement when podcaster Ben Shapiro attacked several media figures, calling them fraudsters, while Tucker Carlson later criticized Shapiro's remarks as contradicting principles of free speech. The gathering represents the organization's largest event since Charlie Kirk's murder in September by Tyler Robinson, who allegedly told his partner he killed Kirk due to his hateful messaging.

Who is affected

Erika Kirk (widow of Charlie Kirk)
Vice President JD Vance
President Donald Trump
Turning Point USA organization and its members
Conservative media figures: Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon
Nick Fuentes (far-right commentator)
Tyler Robinson (alleged assassin)
Marjorie Taylor Greene
Donald Trump Jr.
Republican party members and voters

What action is being taken

Turning Point USA is holding its four-day America Fest conference in Phoenix
The organization is working to maintain its coalition-building efforts that helped Trump win in 2024
Conservative factions are publicly attacking each other through speeches and statements at the conference

Why it matters

This matters because it reveals significant fracturing within the Republican party and conservative movement at a critical juncture, less than one year into Trump's presidency. The early endorsement of Vance for 2028 signals jockeying for succession is already underway, while the public infighting between prominent conservative voices demonstrates uncertainty about the future direction of the MAGA movement. Additionally, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the ongoing tensions raise questions about the consequences of divisive political rhetoric and the stability of the coalition that brought Trump back to power.

What's next

The America Fest conference continues through the weekend
JD Vance is scheduled to speak at the event on Sunday
Donald Trump Jr. is scheduled to speak on Sunday

Read full article from source: BBC