PHOENIX, Ariz. — December 21, 2025:
Donald Trump Jr. delivered a combative keynote address at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest 2025 in Phoenix, emphasizing the future of the conservative movement and paying tribute to the late founder Charlie Kirk.
Trump Jr.’s message
In his remarks, Trump Jr. argued that the traditional Republican Party has effectively been replaced by what he described as the “America First” and “Make America Great Again” movement inside the GOP. He sharply criticized what he called “weak” Republicans and so‑called “RINOs,” accusing them of being too willing to accommodate Washington’s political establishment.youtube
Immigration and culture
Trump Jr. devoted a significant portion of his speech to immigration and cultural issues, warning that lenient policies could push the United States toward what he described as “third‑world” conditions. He tied these themes to broader concerns about free speech, education, and the direction of American culture, urging young conservatives to see themselves as the next generation of movement leaders.youtube
Live call with President Trump
At one point during the keynote, Trump Jr. placed a live call to President Donald Trump and held his phone to the microphone so the crowd could hear. The president thanked attendees, praised the event, and expressed confidence in the movement’s momentum, prompting loud chants of “USA” from the audience.youtube
AmericaFest after Charlie Kirk’s death
This year’s AmericaFest was the first since the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus event in September 2025. Organizers framed the four‑day gathering as both a youth-focused political conference and a tribute to Kirk’s role in building a national conservative activist network.foxnews+2
High-profile lineup including JD Vance
The Phoenix convention featured a high-profile roster, including Vice President JD Vance, who headlined the final day of the event. Speakers highlighted themes ranging from Christianity and patriotism to internal Republican debates about the future of the MAGA movement and the 2028 presidential race.politico+3