Feuding conservative podcasters Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson publicly rebuked each other during the opening night of America Fest, hosted by Turning Point USA. Once considered allies in the Republican political landscape, their relationship has soured in recent months, sparking a notable rift within conservative circles.
The tension among leading conservative figures has intensified, particularly following the assassination of Turning Point USA Founder and CEO Charlie Kirk. The event has drawn attention to the infighting among prominent voices, including Shapiro, Carlson, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and Tim Pool, who have engaged in public disputes regarding their political ideologies and approaches.
During the event, which took place in Phoenix, Arizona, Erika Kirk, widow of the late Charlie Kirk, initiated the program, setting the stage for the contentious dialogue. Following her remarks, Shapiro and Carlson took to the stage, with actor Russell Brand and author Michael Knowles also contributing to the discussions.
Shapiro opened with sharp criticism directed at both Owens and Carlson, warning of the potential dangers their rhetoric poses to conservative principles. He accused them of prioritizing personal fame over foundational conservative values. “Today the conservative movement is in serious danger, not just from the left that all too frequently excuses everything up to and including murder,” Shapiro stated. “The conservative movement is also in danger from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty.”
He further condemned their journalistic practices, emphasizing the importance of providing evidence rather than merely posing questions. “Just asking questions is something my five-year-old does,” Shapiro remarked. “When grown men and women spend their days ‘just asking questions’ without seeking answers, they are lying to you.”
Carlson responded to Shapiro’s remarks with a mix of humor and defiance. “I just got here, and I feel like I missed the first part of the program,” he joked, adding, “I watched it. I laughed.” He characterized Shapiro’s call for silence as contrary to the foundational ideals of America Fest. “To hear calls for deplatforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event… I’m like, ‘What! That’s hilarious!’”
Shifting the focus, Carlson emphasized the significance of free speech in American society. He criticized the notion of deplatforming individuals and expressed concern over the implications of such actions. “The whole like, Red Guard, Cultural Revolution thing, that we so hated and feared on the Left, we did everything we could to usher in a new time, where you can have an actual debate,” Carlson asserted.
Carlson also reflected on Charlie Kirk’s legacy, noting that Kirk had dedicated his final months to advocating for open discourse. “Charlie stood firm in his often stated, deeply held belief, that people should be able to debate,” Carlson said. He underscored the importance of expressing differing opinions calmly and thoroughly, rather than resorting to accusations or silencing dissent.
As tensions rose, the public feud showcased the growing divide within the conservative movement, highlighting how personal ambitions and differing philosophies can lead to significant conflicts among influential figures. The ongoing discussions at America Fest continue to underscore the evolving landscape of conservative politics in the United States, raising questions about the future direction of the movement and the role of its leading voices.
The event concluded with Erika Kirk endorsing JD Vance for the 2028 presidential election, further emphasizing the intersection of personal tragedy and political ambition within the conservative sphere. This endorsement, given the context of the discussions, is expected to have a considerable impact on Vance’s potential candidacy, as he seeks to galvanize support from the conservative base.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the infighting among conservative podcasters like Shapiro and Carlson serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing the movement. The events at America Fest reveal that the battle for the soul of conservatism is far from over, with significant implications for the future of Republican politics.
