PHOENIX — In a striking moment at Turning Point USA’s annual convention, Vice President JD Vance addressed the future of the conservative movement by extending an open invitation to all who “love America.” This declaration comes amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitism within the Republican Party, which has been a source of division, particularly in the early days of this pivotal event.
Vance’s remarks ignited discussions about whether the movement should distance itself from controversial figures like podcaster Nick Fuentes, who has been criticized for his bigoted views. Firmly rejecting the idea of “purity tests,” Vance asserted, “I didn’t bring a list of conservatives to denounce or to de-platform,” signaling a desire for inclusivity within the party ranks.
Turning Point leader Erika Kirk, who took charge following the tragic assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, has publicly backed Vance as a potential successor to Donald Trump. This support represents a significant endorsement from a powerful organization deeply embedded in the grassroots of conservative activism.
Defining a Post-Trump GOP
The identity of the Republican Party has been profoundly shaped by Trump over the last decade. Yet, as he finds himself constitutionally barred from seeking re-election for a third term, the party is at a crossroads. In a thought-provoking commentary, Tucker Carlson posed the essential question: “Who gets the machinery when the president exits the scene?”
The ongoing disputes within the GOP were palpable at the Turning Point conference, where debates about antisemitism, Israel, and environmental policies clashed with personal rivalries among leading figures in conservative media. On the opening night, Ben Shapiro, co-founder of the Daily Wire, condemned what he termed “charlatans” in the movement, specifically targeting Carlson for granting Fuentes a platform through his podcast.
Carlson responded to the criticism, dismissing the notion of a “Republican civil war” as exaggerated. Remarkably, he positioned Vance as “the one person” aligned with the core tenets of the Trump coalition, which Carlson defines as “America first.”
Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet framed this intra-party discord as a necessary debate about the movement’s future. He emphasized that the conversation is vital for finding a consensus, indicating the complexity of aligning a diverse faction within the party.
If You Love America, You’re Welcome in the Movement, Vance Says
Addressing the controversies head-on, Vance maintained a message centered on patriotism as the only requirement for membership in the conservative movement. He pointedly remarked, “We don’t care if you’re white or black, rich or poor, young or old, rural or urban, controversial or a little bit boring, or somewhere in between.”
Although he refrained from naming individuals, his comments came amid an escalating debate over the suitability of allowing figures like Fuentes into the conservative fold. Fuentes and his followers advocate for preserving a white Christian identity, contrasting starkly with Vance’s inclusive rhetoric. Vance stressed the importance of focusing on unifying efforts rather than “canceling each other,” advocating for a broader, more diverse movement.
Highlighting the administration’s progress as it nears its first anniversary, Vance referred to its achievements regarding border security and the economy. He declared a commitment to putting divisive concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the “dustbin of history,” emphasizing a return to traditional values.
His assertion that the U.S. “always will be a Christian nation” resonated with many attendees, including Isaiah White-Diller, an 18-year-old from Yuma, Arizona, who expressed strong support for Vance’s approach to preserving Christian values in American life.
Turning Point Backs Vance
While Vance has not explicitly announced his presidential intentions, Erika Kirk’s remarks indicated a proactive push to solidify his position within the GOP landscape. She expressed a desire for Vance to be elected “for 48″—a reference to the upcoming 48th president of the U.S.
As a key player in conservative grassroots mobilization, Turning Point boasts a robust volunteer network essential for candidates seeking early primary momentum. Vance’s significance within the movement was further emphasized when rapper Nicki Minaj made an unexpected appearance, expressing admiration for both Trump and Vance.
Vance’s close ties with the late Charlie Kirk are also pivotal in this narrative. Following Kirk’s assassination, Vance notably honored their friendship by accompanying Kirk’s remains back to Arizona, demonstrating a commitment that resonates deeply within the community.
Emily Meck, an 18-year-old from Pine City, New York, voiced her appreciation for Vance’s open-mindedness, affirming the importance of allowing diverse perspectives within the conservative framework.
With Trump signaling positive evaluations of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential heirs, the conversation about the future of the Republican Party remains lively. Trump’s comments indicating that Vance would likely be a strong candidate showcase the intrigue surrounding his potential candidacy.