Internal feuds have erupted into open conflict within the MAGA movement, with prominent influencers clashing onstage at Turning Point USA's annual AmericaFest conference in Phoenix late last week—the first since founder Charlie Kirk's assassination in September.
Ben Shapiro ignited the firestorm by condemning fellow speakers as "frauds," "grifters," and "charlatans." He targeted Candace Owens for promoting conspiracy theories about Kirk's death (including unsubstantiated claims involving Mossad or TPUSA insiders), Tucker Carlson for platforming neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes, Steve Bannon for alleged Epstein ties, and Megyn Kelly for associating with Owens.
Shapiro warned the conservative movement is "in serious danger" from such figures.
Responses poured in immediately. Tucker Carlson dismissed the infighting as "totally fake" and mocked Shapiro's speech. Steve Bannon retaliated, calling Shapiro a "cancer" and a "hard-core Never-Trumper."
Megyn Kelly declared she is no longer friends with Shapiro, resenting his attempts to dictate acceptable speech. Candace Owens unleashed a profane tirade against Shapiro, telling him to "f**k off" and the "midget horse you rode in on."
- Tucker Carlson vs. Ben Shapiro/Mark Levin — Heated exchanges over Israel-Iran policy, with Fox News taking a more hawkish stance while Carlson and others pushed isolationism.
- Turning Point USA AmericaFest (December 2025) — Infighting exploded onstage, with Shapiro calling out "frauds" and "charlatans" (implying figures like Candace Owens and Carlson), Bannon criticizing Shapiro, and Megyn Kelly declaring lost friendships.
- Candace Owens, Tim Pool, and others — Profanity-filled rants and accusations, including claims of betrayal or ties to controversies.
- Broader feuds — Involving Laura Loomer, Mike Cernovich, Nick Fuentes, and more, often amplified on X or podcasts like Steve Bannon's War Room.
- Media ecosystem clashes — Battles over broadcast rules (e.g., TV station ownership caps) pitting outlets like Newsmax against others, or Trump's administration aligning with certain influencers over traditional media.
Media outlets describe it as a "MAGA civil war" or "meltdown," risking distraction from Trump's agenda and midterm preparations.
Despite the noise, the movement remains largely pro-Trump, though the public spectacle has amplified concerns about ego-driven infighting eroding focus and cohesion.