Erika Kirk, leader of a prominent conservative group, took center stage at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, emphasizing her role as a mother amid heated debates among conservative figures. The conference saw public disagreements over issues like Israel and the concept of 'heritage Americans,' with notable exchanges between Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, and others. While some attendees found the infighting exhausting, others, like Ohio candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, challenged traditional notions of American identity, advocating for unity over division.

Despite the tensions, Kirk and other speakers suggested that such debates are necessary for conservatives to define their direction ahead of upcoming elections. The event highlighted the value of in-person dialogue over online arguments, with attendees expressing hope for reconciliation and focus on shared goals. The finale, featuring Vice President JD Vance, drew excitement and anticipation, underscoring the movement's ongoing efforts to find common ground after a weekend of discord.