At the annual AmericaFest convention, Turning Point USA endorsed JD Vance as its preferred candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. The announcement came from Erika Kirk, the organization’s leader, drawing enthusiastic support from attendees. Despite this show of backing, the four-day event underscored the challenges Vance and any potential successor to former President Donald Trump will face as the GOP contemplates its future without him.
The “Make America Great Again” movement is showing signs of division as various factions within the Republican Party begin to assess their positions in a post-Trump era. Commentator Tucker Carlson raised questions about who will ultimately control the party’s direction once Trump steps aside. “Who gets to run it after?” he asked during his speech. Vance, who has not declared his candidacy, is scheduled to be the closing speaker of the event, following prominent figures such as U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr..
Turning Point USA is a significant player in conservative politics, boasting a nationwide volunteer network that can be crucial in early primary states. Kirk, who took over leadership after her husband Charlie Kirk was tragically killed, expressed a strong desire for Vance to secure the nomination. She stated that the group aims for Vance to be “elected for 48 in the most resounding way possible,” referencing the fact that the next president will be the 48th in U.S. history.
The endorsement resonated with many attendees. Kiara Wagner, a 20-year-old from Toms River, New Jersey, indicated that Kirk’s support influenced her view of Vance. “If someone like Erika can support JD Vance, then I can too,” she remarked.
As the Republican Party grapples with its identity, the prospect of a future without Trump raises significant questions. The gathering highlighted ongoing debates about key issues such as antisemitism, environmental regulations, and the tensions between various conservative factions. Carlson dismissed the notion of a “civil war” within the party as “totally fake,” suggesting that dissent regarding Vance’s candidacy is being exaggerated to undermine his chances.
Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet characterized the disagreements as a vital part of the party’s evolution. “We’re not hive-minded commies,” he commented on social media. “Let it play out.”
Among the convention’s attendees, support for Vance appeared strong. Tomas Morales, a videographer from Los Angeles, expressed a clear preference for Vance, stating, “It has to be JD Vance because he has been so awesome when it comes to literally any question. There’s no other choice.”
Despite the endorsement, Trump has not endorsed any specific successor. However, he has praised both Vance and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, suggesting they could form a future Republican ticket. In August, Trump suggested Vance could be the “heir apparent,” noting, “It’s too early, obviously, to talk about it, but certainly he’s doing a great job, and he would be probably favorite at this point.”
Any discussions about future campaigns remain complicated by Trump’s occasional hints about seeking a third term. During a trip to Asia in October, he stated, “I’m not allowed to run. It’s too bad.”
As the Republican Party continues to navigate its evolving landscape, the endorsement of JD Vance by Turning Point USA illustrates both the promise and the peril that lie ahead for potential successors to Donald Trump. The coming years will reveal whether Vance and others can unite the fragmented factions and carry the party forward into the next presidential election.
