Prominent conservative figures openly clashed Thursday night at Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference, with Ben Shapiro sharply criticizing Tucker Carlson over the guests he has hosted and warning that the conservative movement is at risk from what he called “grifters” and “frauds.”
During his speech, Shapiro condemned Carlson for giving platforms to figures such as white nationalist Nick Fuentes and controversial influencer Andrew Tate. He repeatedly invoked the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated in September, saying Kirk would have opposed elevating such individuals.
“[Kirk] knew that Nick Fuentes is an evil troll and that building him up is an act of moral imbecility, and that is precisely what Tucker Carlson did,” Shapiro said. He added that Carlson should also take responsibility for promoting Andrew Tate, whom he described as a “pornographer and alleged sex trafficker.”
Carlson responded later in the evening, dismissing what he characterized as calls for “denouncing and deplatforming.” He said he watched Shapiro’s remarks and reacted with what he described as a “bitter, sardonic laugh,” arguing that Kirk’s mission had been to create space for open debate rather than enforce ideological boundaries.
Shapiro warned that the conservative movement Kirk helped build was “in serious danger,” criticizing figures he accused of spreading conspiracies and exploiting outrage. He specifically condemned Candace Owens for raising questions online about Kirk’s assassination and faulted others, including Megyn Kelly, for not forcefully condemning what he viewed as irresponsible behavior.
“These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time,” Shapiro said, referring to what he described as a growing culture of conspiracism within conservative media.
The conference included a memorial for Kirk, who was killed while speaking with university students in Utah. A suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting.
The public dispute highlighted competing visions for the future of conservatism as President Donald Trump approaches the end of the first year of his second term and Republicans prepare for midterm elections.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow and the new CEO of Turning Point USA, acknowledged ideological differences in her opening remarks, saying disagreement was part of American political life and something her husband would have welcomed. She also confirmed meeting with Owens earlier in the week, describing the discussion as “productive,” amid concerns about conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination.
