The News Agents What the Hell just happened at MAGA-con?
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Dec 22, 2025 The Turning Point USA conference turned chaotic after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, revealing deep rifts within the MAGA movement. Ben Shapiro slammed conspiracists while JD Vance pushed a message of openness, avoiding purity tests. Controversy brewed as figures like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson were debated in terms of their influence. Discussions also touched on the rise of 'heritage Americans' and the risks of nativism for MAGA's coalitions. As the movement shifts, questions loom about its direction ahead of the upcoming election.
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Kirk's Death Unmasked A Movement Split
- Charlie Kirk's assassination destabilised the MAGA movement and exposed an internal fissure over who belongs in the tent.
- The core debate is whether to expand acceptability to extremist figures or impose limits to preserve coalition appeal.
Shapiro Frames Extremists As Political Threat
- Ben Shapiro warned the conservative movement is endangered by grifters who traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty.
- He framed figures like Fuentes and allied influencers as threats to conservative principles and electoral success.
Vance Embraces A No-Purity Tent
- J.D. Vance explicitly avoided purity tests and invited