PHOENIX — The Turning Point USA’s America Fest, ignited by the memory of its slain founder Charlie Kirk, rapidly transformed from a somber assembly into a battleground of MAGA factionalism. As over 30,000 attendees converged on the Phoenix Convention Center, the air was charged not just with grief but palpable discord among conservative heavyweights.

Ben Shapiro, opening the speeches following an address by widow Erika Kirk, set a confrontational tone. He vehemently criticized fellow conservatives Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Steve Bannon, labeling them as “frauds and grifters.” Shapiro’s critique extended beyond personal grievances, touching on profound concerns about the direction of the conservative movement. “The danger is from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty,” Shapiro declared.

The intensity escalated with Shapiro’s remarks about Bannon being “a PR flack for Jeffrey Epstein,” timed with controversial Epstein files set to be released. He also chastised Carlson for perpetuating Owens’ conspiracy theories regarding Kirk’s murder and for Carlson's controversial interview with far-right influencer Nick Fuentes.

Carlson retaliated from the stage, dismissing Shapiro’s critiques and defending his actions, emphasizing his stance against antisemitism despite his associations. “Antisemitism is not just naughty, it’s immoral,” Carlson stated, attempting to clarify his position amid the controversy.

Amid these fiery exchanges, Erika Kirk appealed for unity within the movement, highlighting her late husband’s role as a unifier and urging the crowd to respect diverse viewpoints. “You won’t agree with everyone on this stage this weekend,” she acknowledged. “And that's okay. Welcome to America.”

The event also featured lighter moments, such as Russell Brand’s speech, which intertwined Christian values with critiques of vaccines and the pharmaceutical industry. The attendees also celebrated President Donald Trump’s political resurgence, indicative of the ongoing loyalty within the MAGA base.

As the conference unfolded, it was clear that Turning Point USA is keen on shaping the future of the GOP, evident from the prominence given to political figures like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and GOP Rep. Mike Collins. Erika Kirk, now the CEO of Turning Point, underscored this by endorsing Vice President JD Vance for the 2028 presidential run, signaling strategic alignments within the conservative landscape.

Despite the underlying tensions, the event was a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions and the enduring influence of Charlie Kirk on the conservative youth, setting the stage for a continued, albeit contentious, dialogue within the movement.