Full Breakdown
Infighting Erupts in MAGA World: Steve Bannon vs. Ben Shapiro
12/20/2025, 8:37:34 PM
Bannon's Accusations at AmericaFest 2025
During the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025 conference in Phoenix, Arizona, Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump, launched a scathing attack on conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. Bannon described Shapiro as a “cancer” within the conservative movement, accusing him of being a “hardcore Never Trumper” who undermined Trump during the 2016 election and has since supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Trump for the 2024 presidential race. Bannon's remarks were met with cheers from the audience, indicating a significant divide within the MAGA faction.
Bannon's criticisms included claims that Shapiro attempted to shift support from Trump to Senator Ted Cruz during the 2016 campaign and later sought to promote a “Greater Israel” agenda, which Bannon argued prioritized Israeli interests over those of the United States. He stated, “Ben Shapiro is like a cancer, and that cancer spreads… it metastasizes,” suggesting that Shapiro's influence could disrupt the conservative movement further.
Background of the Conflict
The animosity between Bannon and Shapiro is part of a broader ideological struggle within the conservative commentariat, particularly following the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September 2023. This event has intensified existing rivalries, with various commentators, including Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, engaging in public disputes. Shapiro himself criticized Owens for promoting conspiracy theories related to Kirk's death, which has further polarized opinions within the movement.
Key Figures in the Dispute
- Steve Bannon: Former White House Chief Strategist and a key figure in the MAGA movement, known for his role at Breitbart News.
- Ben Shapiro: Conservative commentator and founder of The Daily Wire, who has been critical of various factions within the conservative movement.
- Candace Owens: A prominent conservative influencer who has been involved in the ongoing disputes, particularly regarding conspiracy theories about Kirk's assassination.
- Charlie Kirk: Founder of Turning Point USA, whose assassination has sparked significant controversy and infighting among conservatives.
Official Statements & Responses
Bannon's remarks at AmericaFest were a direct response to Shapiro's previous speech, where Shapiro labeled Bannon and others as “frauds and grifters.” Bannon's assertion that Shapiro is “the farthest thing from MAGA” reflects a growing rift among conservative commentators regarding loyalty to Trump and the future direction of the movement.
Criticism & Opposition
Shapiro's supporters have criticized Bannon's comments as unfounded and divisive. They argue that Bannon's approach only serves to deepen the fractures within the conservative base, potentially undermining efforts to unify against common political opponents. Shapiro himself has characterized Bannon as a “PR flake for Jeffrey Epstein,” further escalating the personal attacks between the two.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Bannon's accusations against Shapiro have been widely reported, there are discrepancies in the portrayal of their influence within the conservative movement. Some sources suggest that Shapiro retains significant support among certain conservative circles, while others echo Bannon's view of Shapiro as increasingly marginalized.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ben Shapiro is like a cancer, and that cancer spreads… it metastasizes,” — Steve Bannon, Former Chief Strategist
- “He’s consistently been against Trump.” — Steve Bannon, Former Chief Strategist
- “F*** you, Ben Shapiro” — Candace Owens, Conservative Influencer
The ongoing feud between Bannon and Shapiro highlights the fractures within the MAGA movement, raising questions about its future unity and direction as the 2024 election approaches.
