PHOENIX -- Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization that Charlie Kirk turned into a political juggernaut, will convene its flagship conference on Thursday for the first time since the assassination of its charismatic founder, testing the durability of a fractious movement that helped return President Donald Trump to the White House.Kirk served as a unifying figure on the American right, marshaling college students, online influencers and Republican politicians.
But now the party's populist wing is skirmishing over the meaning of “America First” and the future of a decade-old movement defined more by the force of Trump’s personality than loyalty to a particular ideological project.Thousands of people are expected to gather for the four-day meeting in Phoenix.
Vice President JD Vance, media personalities and a handful of Trump administration officials are slated to appear, plus Christian rock bands and pastors.Attendees will have the chance to take selfies with popular figures and participate in discussions about political organizing, religion and conservative critiques of American culture.
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, will have a prominent role as the organization's new leader.The conference promises to be an extended tribute to her husband, who many on the right see as a martyr for conservatism and Christianity after he was slain at only 31 years old.Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with shooting and killing Kirk while he spoke at Utah Valley University in September, appeared in court last week.
Robinson has not entered a plea.Authorities say he told his romantic partner that he killed Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”The last time Turning Point held its AmericaFest conference, weeks after Trump's comeback victory one year ago, the MAGA movement was ebullient as Republicans prepared for a new era of total control in Washington.
Now the party faces challenging midterm elections, with Trump constitutionally prohibited from...