Overview
- Opening AmericaFest in Phoenix, Erika Kirk vowed to “get my husband’s friend JD Vance elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible.”
- Kirk said Turning Point USA is “building the red wall” and working to keep Congress in Republican hands throughout President Trump’s term.
- JD Vance has not announced a campaign and is expected to decide after the 2026 midterms; he was scheduled to speak at AmericaFest on Sunday.
- The conference exposed sharp rifts on the right, with Ben Shapiro criticizing Tucker Carlson and others over extremist platforms and conspiracy claims about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
- Analysts say TPUSA’s early backing could significantly boost a Vance bid, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated he would support Vance if he runs.