In the closing moments of a tense and emotionally charged AmericaFest, Vice President JD Vance delivered a message aimed at cooling tempers within the conservative movement. Speaking to a divided crowd at Turning Point USA’s flagship event, Vance warns conservatives at TPUSA event against internal cancel culture, urging them to stop trying to push one another out of the movement over disagreements.
Rather than naming rivals or airing grievances, Vance made it clear that his goal was reconciliation, not retaliation. “I didn’t come here with a list of people to denounce or deplatform,” he said during his Dec. 21 address, which concluded the first AmericaFest held since the killing of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk earlier this year.
A Plea Rooted in Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
Vance framed his remarks around the legacy of Kirk, emphasizing the late activist’s commitment to open debate on the right. He reminded the audience that Kirk welcomed differing viewpoints, even when disagreements ran deep.
“None of us should be doing in death what Charlie refused to do in life,” Vance told the crowd. “He invited everyone here.”
He added that conservatives face challenges far bigger than internal feuds, saying, “We have far more important work to do than canceling each other.”
Public Feuds Take Center Stage
Vance’s appeal followed days of very public clashes among high-profile conservative figures. On the opening day of AmericaFest 2025, commentator Ben Shapiro delivered a sharp speech criticizing several right-wing personalities, including Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, Megyn Kelly, and Candace Owens.
Shapiro accused Owens of spreading unfounded allegations surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death and said media figures had a moral obligation to call out such behavior. He also faulted Carlson and Kelly for not condemning Owens more forcefully and accused Bannon of questioning the patriotism of those he disagreed with.
Carlson quickly fired back, arguing that Shapiro’s remarks were an attempt to silence him and suggesting they were part of a broader effort to undermine Vice President Vance. Carlson claimed some conservatives opposed to Vance were fueling division to block his potential rise in national politics.
Tensions Linked to 2028 Speculation
Just before Shapiro’s speech, TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk—Charlie Kirk’s widow—announced that the organization would support a possible Vance presidential run in 2028. Though Vance has not declared any intentions, the endorsement added fuel to speculation about his political future.
Carlson told attendees that anger toward Vance was driving much of the infighting. Megyn Kelly also publicly rejected Shapiro’s criticism, saying she resented the idea that one person could dictate who belonged in the conservative movement. She later stated that while she agreed with Shapiro on many issues, she disagreed strongly on whether Carlson should be ostracized.
Steve Bannon echoed that resistance during his own AmericaFest remarks, labeling Shapiro a “never-Trumper” and accusing him of placing foreign interests ahead of American priorities.
Vance Emphasizes Strength Through Disagreement
When Vance finally took the stage, he acknowledged the divisions but reframed them as a potential strength rather than a weakness. He described conservatism as “a movement of freethinkers,” arguing that disagreement does not have to mean disloyalty.
His remarks avoided direct references to the 2028 Republican race, though he did comment on the Democratic field, predicting a contest between California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Faith, Politics, and a Christian Foundation
Beyond politics, Vance devoted much of his speech to faith, highlighting Christianity’s role in American history. He stressed that while not all Americans are Christians, the nation’s moral foundation is deeply tied to Christian values.
“The only thing that has truly anchored this country,” Vance said, “is that we have been, and by God’s grace always will be, a Christian nation.” He praised Charlie Kirk as an example of Christianity in action, prompting loud chants of Kirk’s name from the crowd.
The Christian tone was evident throughout the day. Programming opened with a worship service, and Pastor Greg Laurie spoke about Vance’s conversion to Catholicism in 2019. Vance has previously spoken openly about raising his children as Christians, while emphasizing respect for his wife Usha’s Hindu faith.
A Call to Move Forward Together
AmericaFest 2025 featured a lineup of prominent Republican voices, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley, Rep. Byron Donalds, Rep. Andy Biggs, and Donald Trump Jr. The event also included an unexpected appearance by rapper Nicki Minaj, who spoke about advocating for persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
Yet it was Vance’s closing message that left the strongest impression. At a moment when conservative leaders were trading accusations on stage, the vice president chose to call for restraint, dialogue, and unity.
In a movement increasingly defined by internal battles, Vance warns conservatives at TPUSA event against internal cancel culture, making the case that ideological purity tests and personal attacks risk weakening the very cause they are meant to defend.