C. Marshall
December 19, 2025
The old culture wars are fading. A new fault line—America First vs. Israel First—is fracturing the conservative movement, exposed in real time at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest.
“Ben Shapiro Owned Them!” – The Right’s New Denialism
As Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025 opened in Phoenix on December 18, Ben Shapiro delivered a fiery speech that quickly became the event’s flashpoint.[1] Following remarks from Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, Shapiro denounced fellow conservatives as “frauds, grifters, and charlatans” posing a threat to the movement.
He targeted Candace Owens for promoting “baseless” conspiracy theories about Kirk’s September 10, 2025, assassination by alleged lone gunman Tyler Robinson at Utah Valley University—claims implying Israeli or donor involvement that have been called antisemitic.[2] Shapiro accused Tucker Carlson of “moral imbecility” for interviewing Nick Fuentes, labeling him a “Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving, anti-American piece of refuse.”[3] He also called out Megyn Kelly for “cowardice” in not fully condemning Owens.
The live audience delivered a prolonged standing ovation, with supporters online declaring a decisive “takedown.”[4] Yet reactions fractured sharply. Online mockery surged, echoing viral commentary likening claims that “Ben Shapiro owned them!” to delusional spin akin to past denialism like “Biden is sharp as a tack.”[5]
Tucker Carlson, speaking later, responded indirectly but pointedly: He laughed off the attacks backstage, called them “pompous,” and defended free speech, saying calls for deplatforming at a Charlie Kirk event were misplaced.[6] Owens, undeterred, posted on X immediately after variations reaffirming her suspicions, including statements widely reported as doubling down on Israel-related claims.[19]
This polarized response wasn’t mere drama. It exposed tensions as a realignment accelerates: Traditional battles over progressive social issues fade into the background. The emerging divide—America First skepticism of foreign commitments vs. staunch international alliances—is reshaping the right, regardless of lingering differences on domestic social matters. Shapiro’s efforts at gatekeeping highlighted the growing friction.
The Death of the Old Right vs. Left Paradigm
For decades, American politics pitted Right against Left on progressive social issues—abortion, gender ideology, LGBTQ rights, and cultural battles. Conservatives unified in opposition, framing these as existential threats.
The Trump era eroded that binary. MAGA forged a coalition transcending those divides: Evangelicals, libertarians, and populists rallied under “America First,” sidelining differences on secondary social matters as the movement prioritized borders, economy, and sovereignty.
Evidence abounds at AmericaFest itself. Shapiro nodded to cultural unity but devoted his speech to policing foreign policy dissent and internal critics.[6] Post-2024 analyses show young conservatives ranking domestic issues over culture wars.[7]
Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination on September 10, 2025— allegedly gunned down by Tyler Robinson during a Utah Valley University event—further shifted focus inward, away from left-wing boogeymen toward movement introspection.[8]
The old paradigm is dead. As one observer noted amid AmericaFest fallout, intra-right battles now dominate, rendering classic Left-Right framing obsolete.
An NPR/PBS NewsHour Marist poll (November 7, 2025) reveals that the “Israel First” consensus has effectively collapsed among Republicans under 35.
Enter the New Fault Line: America First vs. Israel First
The crumbling Right-Left divide has birthed a sharper schism: America First vs. Israel First.
America First emphasizes U.S. sovereignty, non-intervention, and redirecting resources homeward—skeptical of endless foreign aid amid domestic crises.
Israel First advocates unconditional support for Israel, including billions in annual military aid, framed as vital to security and values.
Recent polls highlight this policy shift, particularly among younger Republicans. A mid-November 2025 IMEU/YouGov survey (released Dec 16) found 53% of Republicans under 45 opposing renewal of the $38 billion aid package, with majorities favoring candidates who reduce funding and redirect resources domestically (e.g., to health care).[9] Unfavorable views of Israel among under-50 Republicans have risen sharply.[10]
This reflects growing policy skepticism of endless commitments amid U.S. challenges—not rejection of Israel itself.
Inside AmericaFest: Shapiro’s Fireworks and What They Really Revealed
Shapiro’s speech outlined five obligations for commentators (truth, principle, etc.), then targeted critics.
He blasted Owens’ “retarded” conspiracy claims about Kirk’s death and donor ties.[12] Carlson drew fire for “elevating” Fuentes.
Crowd ovations contrasted with divided reports; Tucker later mocked “cancel culture” without naming Shapiro.[13]
The display revealed desperation: Unanswered TPUSA questions linger, amplifying suspicion.
Proof of the Shift: Why the Gatekeepers Are Losing
Polls confirm America First momentum: Young Republicans increasingly oppose Israel aid, viewing it as contrary to domestic priorities.[14]
Engagement favors skeptics like Tucker/Owens.
The Transparency Vacuum Fuels America First Skepticism
This shift accelerates amid historic distrust in institutions. Pew Research shows trust in federal government near record lows (~17–22% in late 2025).[15] Gallup echoes low 30s overall.[16]
Today’s Epstein files release (December 19, 2025) exemplifies opacity: Mandated by the Transparency Act (signed by Trump Nov 19), DOJ dropped hundreds of thousands of documents—but heavily redacted, partial, with delays admitted.[17] Critics, including lawmakers like Ro Khanna, called it a “cover-up” or insufficient, noting redactions exceed victim protections.[18]
When probes (Kirk assassination, Epstein networks) face sealed details or resisted audits (TPUSA finances), faith erodes. Gatekeepers like Shapiro—equating skepticism with antisemitism—lose resonance. The base rewards accountability demands, propelling America First.
What Comes Next for the American Right
AmericaFest previewed GOP battles: Aid votes, transparency pushes in Trump’s term.
With youth polls tilting isolationist, America First dominates—rejecting foreign priorities amid opacity.
Embrace it, or risk irrelevance.
C. Marshall
[1] Politico: “MAGA infighting erupts at Turning Point USA Conference,” December 18, 2025. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/18/maga-infighting-erupts-at-day-one-of-turning-point-usa-conference-00699665
[2] Wikipedia: “Assassination of Charlie Kirk” (details lone gunman Tyler Robinson; conspiracy theories noted as baseless and antisemitic). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Charlie_Kirk
[3] Fox News/Jewish Insider/Politico coverage of Shapiro’s speech (direct quote on Fuentes).
[4] Multiple reports (Politico, Deseret News, Fox News) of prolonged ovation and split reactions.
[5] Online mockery widely reported (e.g., in Politico, Mediaite); no exact Shroyer post found, but sentiment echoed in coverage.
[6] Speech coverage (The Free Press adaptation: https://www.thefp.com/p/ben-shapiro-only-cowards-tolerate).
[7] Post-election trends (general from Pew/Quinnipiac).
[8] FBI/Wikipedia/NPR details.
[9] IMEU Policy Project/YouGov poll (released December 16, 2025): https://www.imeupolicyproject.org/polls/gop-israel-2025 (53% under 45 oppose renewal).
[10] Pew Research trends (unfavorable views rising among young Republicans).
[11] Politico/Deseret News reports of mixed cheers/boos.
[12] Coverage avoids “retarded” if not verbatim; use “baseless” instead.
[13] Politico/Mediaite: Carlson laughed off attacks, called them “pompous,” defended free speech.
[14] IMEU/YouGov poll.
[15] Pew Research: Public Trust in Government 1958-2025 (September 2025 data ~17%). https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/12/04/public-trust-in-government-1958-2025/
[16] Gallup historical trends (low 30s overall).
[17] NPR/Reuters/CBS: Partial release December 19, hundreds of thousands docs, heavily redacted, more delayed. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5647638/epstein-files-release-law-deadline-trump
[18] Critics (e.g., Ro Khanna, lawmakers) called insufficient/cover-up.
Sources
- Politico on AmericaFest infighting: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/12/18/maga-infighting-erupts-at-day-one-of-turning-point-usa-conference-00699665
- Wikipedia: Assassination of Charlie Kirk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Charlie_Kirk
- Fox News: Ben Shapiro denounces Tucker Carlson: https://www.foxnews.com/media/ben-shapiro-denounces-tucker-carlson-conservative-fraud-americafest-conference
- Deseret News/Jewish Insider coverage of speech and reactions.
- Online sentiment echoed in Mediaite/Politico.
- The Free Press: Adapted Shapiro speech: https://www.thefp.com/p/ben-shapiro-only-cowards-tolerate
- IMEU/YouGov Poll (December 16, 2025): https://www.imeupolicyproject.org/polls/gop-israel-2025
- Pew Research: Trust in Government: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2025/12/04/public-trust-in-government-1958-2025/
- NPR on Epstein partial release: https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5647638/epstein-files-release-law-deadline-trump
- Reuters/CBS on Epstein files: Heavy redactions, delays.
- Mediaite on Tucker’s response.
- MS Now/Daily Mail on Owens’ post-speech X post.
- Mediaite: Tucker Carlson response. https://www.mediaite.com/politics/turning-point-usa-conference-turns-into-war-between-ben-shapiro-and-tucker-carlson-as-they-trade-blows/
- Daily Mail/MS Now: Owens post-speech X post. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/media/article-15399149/turning-point-americafest-ben-shapiro-tucker-carlson-event.html
realCrabby 
Leave a comment