Conservative Rifts Exposed: GOP Grapples with Internal Divisions Ahead of 2028 Race

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The Republican Party is grappling with significant internal divisions just days after conservatives gathered for Turning Point USA's AmericaFest conference in Phoenix over the weekend. According to NPR and PBS NewsHour, the event exposed deep rifts within the party over its future direction and values.

The most heated debate centered on antisemitism and which voices should be welcomed in conservative spaces. Ben Shapiro, the conservative commentator, directly challenged right-wing influencers including Tucker Carlson, accusing them of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories. Shapiro specifically criticized Carlson for platforming Nick Fuentes, describing him as an evil troll and saying that elevating such figures represents moral failure. This conflict has proven significant enough that staffers at the Heritage Foundation, a longtime conservative think tank, are leaving the organization in protest over the platforming of Fuentes. Some are joining an organization started by former Vice President Mike Pence.

Vice President JD Vance addressed these criticisms during his Sunday speech at the conference, taking a different approach. According to his remarks, Vance rejected the idea of creating purity tests or deplatforming supporters, arguing that President Trump built his coalition by welcoming all voters rather than engaging in infighting. This philosophical divide between Shapiro's call for standards and Vance's inclusionary approach reflects a broader party fracture.

Notably, Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, endorsed Vice President Vance for the presidency in 2028. Political analysts from PBS NewsHour noted that Charlie Kirk's death briefly unified the party, but his passing created a leadership vacuum. Kirk had been skilled at keeping the movement in line, and without his organizing influence, various factions are jockeying for control. The endorsement of Vance signals an early marker for the 2028 race, though observers suggest it remains premature to predict how such moves will affect 2026 midterm turnout.

CNN also reported this week that eight Republicans have challenged President Trump over policy and politics in 2025, testing a president who has maintained tight control over his party for much of the past decade. This suggests ongoing resistance and independent thinking within GOP ranks.

Additionally, CNN's political coverage indicates that eight Republicans stood up to Trump in 2025, challenging him on both policy and politics. Political analysts view these divisions as natural consequences when a dominant political figure's influence wanes or when personality-driven movements must operate without their original architect.

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