Vance at AmFest
Vance led AmericaFest straw poll as Minaj stumbled
JD Vance / Nicki Minaj / Erika Kirk / Phoenix, United States / Turning Point USA /

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Last Updated
1/13/2026
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The Breakdown 98

  • AmericaFest 2025, Turning Point USA's annual conference in Phoenix, marked a pivotal moment as Vice President JD Vance secured a staggering 85% of the straw poll vote, positioning himself as the clear frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
  • The gathering showcased the influential figures of the MAGA movement, including Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, reinforcing the party’s alignment with Trump-era ideologies following the tragic death of co-founder Charlie Kirk.
  • In a surprising twist, rapper Nicki Minaj captivated attendees with her praise for Donald Trump and JD Vance, though her gaffe of calling Vance an "assassin" sparked widespread discussion and humor amid the serious political undertones.
  • Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, fervently endorsed Vance for the presidency, vowing to carry on her late husband’s legacy and rally Republican support around his candidacy.
  • Vance's remarks during the conference stirred controversy, particularly his assertion that Americans no longer need to apologize for being white, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the party regarding race and identity.
  • As the conference unfolded, it illuminated the fierce ideological battles shaping the future of the Republican party, underscoring the challenges and divisions that leaders like Vance will need to navigate in a post-Trump era.

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JD Vance / Nicki Minaj / Erika Kirk / Charlie Kirk / Tucker Carlson / Steve Bannon / Marco Rubio / Phoenix, United States / Turning Point USA /

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