Turning Point USA Gathers in Phoenix as Widow Erika Kirk Leads Amid Controversy

The first Turning Point USA conference since founder Charlie Kirk was shot has drawn thousands to Phoenix on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for a movement that has long relied on Kirk’s charisma.

A Gathering After Tragedy

The four‑day meeting is billed as a tribute to Kirk, who was killed at 31 during a speech at Utah Valley University. Erika Kirk, his widow, has stepped into the role of the organization’s new leader. Attendees will have the chance to meet Vice President JD Vance, media personalities, a handful of Trump administration officials, Christian rock bands, pastors, and to take selfies with the figures that have shaped the right.

The Speaker Line‑up

Turning Point is known for events that feel more like rock concerts than rallies, with pyrotechnics and bass‑driven music. The speaker roster includes Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Jesse Watters, Steve Bannon, Ben Shapiro, and Jack Posobiec. Carlson and Shapiro are both scheduled to speak on Thursday, the first day of the conference, after months of public feuds.

A Movement in Flux

Since Kirk’s death, the conservative movement has splintered. Conservative commentator Michael Knowles said at a Turning Point event, “Charlie was the unifying figure for the movement.” He added, “The biggest threat right now is that without that single figure that we were all friends with, who could really hold it together, things could spin off in different directions.” “We have to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Knowles continued.

The fissures are most visible over Israel support, the Gaza war, and the presence of anti‑Jewish views. Heritage Foundation head Kevin Roberts defended Tucker Carlson’s interview with Nick Fuentes, a figure whose followers call themselves “groypers.” Roberts’ comments sparked outrage from staffers, senators, and activists.

The Shooter’s Court Appearance

Tyler Robinson, the 22‑year‑old charged with shooting Kirk, appeared in court last week. He has not entered a plea. Authorities say he told his romantic partner that he killed Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.” Robinson’s actions remain a focal point of the conference’s narrative.

Conspiracy Theories and a Stiff Response

Candace Owens, a former Turning Point employee, has spread allegations that Israeli spies were involved in Kirk’s death and that he was betrayed by close allies. Erika Kirk responded during a CBS News town hall with a single word: “Stop.” She accused Owens of profiting from the tragedy and warned that conspiracy peddlers could taint the jury pool and let the killer get away with it.

A brief truce followed when Owens and Kirk met for a 4½‑hour conversation. Kirk posted on X that they had “a very productive conversation” and that it was “time to get back to work.” Owens later said on her show that she still doubted Robinson acted alone.

Erika Kirk’s New Role

While grieving, Erika Kirk has increased her public appearances. She spoke at the funeral, forgiving the alleged killer, and at a Turning Point event in Mississippi in October. An entrepreneur, podcaster, former Miss Arizona USA, model, actress, casting director, and founder of the Christian clothing line Proclaim and a ministry, she had long prioritized family over career.

At a memorial for her husband she said, “Charlie and I were united in purpose.” “His passion was my passion, and now his mission is my mission,” she added. “Everything that Turning Point USA built through Charlie’s vision and hard work, we will make 10 times greater through the power of his memory.”

Key Takeaways

• The Phoenix conference marks Turning Point USA’s first major event since Charlie Kirk’s death.
• Erika Kirk has taken over leadership, framing the gathering as a tribute to her husband.
• The event features high‑profile speakers amid ongoing internal divisions and external controversies.

The conference will test the resilience of a movement that has long depended on a single charismatic figure. Whether Erika Kirk can steer Turning Point USA toward a united future remains to be seen.