Turning Point USA’s annual convention

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Vance refuses to set red lines over bigotry as conservatives feud at Turning Point

PHOENIX (AP) — Vice President JD Vance said Sunday the conservative movement should be open to everyone as long as they “love America,” declining to condemn a streak of antisemitism that has divided the Republican Party and roiled the opening days of Turning Point USA’s annual convention.

https://apnews.com/article/turning-point-charlie-kirk-vance-republicans-2028-e28a332d7f55eb44346ef9d47e8906e4?

Turning Point USA Returns

Turning Point USA wrapped up its fifth annual AmericaFest yesterday, a gathering of some of the most prominent figures in the conservative movement. More than 30,000 people attended this year’s event—the first since founder and former CEO Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September. Speakers included Donald Trump Jr., House Speaker Mike Johnson (R, LA-4), and media figures including Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, and Tucker Carlson. The convention saw high-profile moments of infighting, including over the US’ relationship with Israel and allegations of antisemitism. Vice President JD Vance gave the closing speech after TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, endorsed him for president last week (Vance has not announced a bid as of this writing). See speeches here. TPUSA is a significant force in the conservative movement, generating over $500M in total revenue since its 2012 founding and boasting over 350,000 grassroots donors. Learn about the organization’s finances here.

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? Turning Point surprise

Erika Kirk and Nicki Minaj high-five on the final day of Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix. Photo: Caylo Seals/Getty Images Rapper Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at the closing sessions of Turning Point USA's AmericaFest, an annual conference that showcased the political power of founder Charlie Kirk. Minaj praised President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, calling them "role models" for young men, AP's Adriana Gomez Licon reports. The rap star was interviewed by Erika Kirk, Turning Point's new CEO, about her newfound support for Trump — someone she had condemned in the past — and about her condemnation of violence against Christians in Nigeria. Minaj, who has grown close to Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz, told Erika Kirk: "I've performed for huge crowds all around the world, and no matter how many songs I do on that stage, it didn't mean as much as this, because ... this is a direct link between young people and God." [Applause.] Watch the video. Photo: Jon Cherry/AP Above: Workers at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference move a microphone used by Charlie Kirk on the day he was killed. Video: JD Vance speaks to AmFest ... AmFest takeaways.