Full Breakdown
Ben Shapiro's Fiery Critique at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest
12/20/2025, 8:17:44 AM
Confrontation Over Conspiracy Theories
At the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) AmericaFest conference, Ben Shapiro delivered a scathing critique of fellow conservative figures, particularly targeting Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson, and Megyn Kelly. His remarks were largely in response to Owens' controversial conspiracy theories regarding the assassination of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who was shot in September. Shapiro condemned Owens for alleging that Israeli or French agents were involved in Kirk's death, labeling her claims as “absolutely baseless trash.” He emphasized a moral obligation to denounce such theories, stating, “These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time.”
The Fallout from Shapiro's Speech
Shapiro's speech ignited a public feud among prominent conservatives. He accused Carlson of cowardice for failing to condemn Owens and for hosting controversial figures like Nick Fuentes, whom Shapiro described as a “Hitler apologist.” In response, Carlson dismissed Shapiro's criticism, joking that he had not missed anything meaningful and expressing amusement at the calls for deplatforming during a Charlie Kirk event. He defended his stance on free speech, asserting that Kirk had always advocated for open debate.
Criticism from Megyn Kelly
Megyn Kelly, who was also criticized by Shapiro for her reluctance to denounce Owens, responded on social media, labeling Shapiro's remarks as an “attack” and claiming he lacked awareness of the ongoing dynamics. Kelly accused Shapiro and journalist Bari Weiss of cowardice for publicly criticizing her without prior discussion. She stated, “Only cowards take to the national stage or X to attack their ‘friends’ without so much as a phone call to discuss it.”
Broader Implications for the Conservative Movement
The conflict highlights the growing rifts within the conservative movement, particularly regarding the acceptance of conspiracy theories and extremist views. Brian Glenn, a conservative commentator, expressed frustration over the infighting, suggesting it could hinder the Republican Party's performance in the upcoming 2026 midterms. He urged party members to focus on substantive issues rather than personal disputes and conspiracy theories.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Shapiro's condemnation of Owens and others has drawn significant attention, the responses from Carlson and Kelly indicate a lack of consensus on how to address controversial figures within the conservative movement. The ongoing disputes reflect deeper ideological divides that may impact the party's unity moving forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time,” — Ben Shapiro
- “The people who refuse to condemn Candace’s truly vicious attacks, and some of them are speaking here, are guilty of cowardice. Yes, cowardice,” — Ben Shapiro
- “To hear calls for like deplatforming and denouncing people at a Charlie Kirk event, I’m like, what?! That’s hilarious,” — Tucker Carlson
- “Only cowards take to the national stage or X to attack their ‘friends’ without so much as a phone call to discuss it,” — Megyn Kelly
The events at AmericaFest underscore the tensions within the conservative landscape, as figures grapple with the implications of conspiracy theories and the responsibilities of public discourse.
