Ben Shapiro Attacks Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens In America Fest Speech

Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro used his Thursday speech at AmericaFest, the annual conference hosted by Turning Point USA in Phoenix, to criticize fellow media personalities he has a long history of turmoil with.

Turning Point USA opened its four-day event at the Phoenix Convention Center by framing the conference as a celebration of faith, freedom, and the legacy of founder Charlie Kirk. During his remarks, Shapiro argued that media hosts and commentators bear responsibility for the people they employ, the guests they invite, and the way they question those guests.

During his speech, Shapiro accused Daily Caller News Foundation co-founder Tucker Carlson of helping elevate Nick Fuentes’ profile in what was considered by many to be a softball interview. He argued that media figures are responsible for the impact of promoting controversial individuals and criticized Carlson for featuring Fuentes and other guests Shapiro described as damaging to public discourse. Shapiro emphasized that hosts are accountable not only for whom they invite, but also for the questions they ask and the evidence they present.

Shapiro said media figures have a duty to audiences to pursue truth through evidence-based questioning, regardless of whether they agree with a guest’s views. “We have a duty to take responsibility for what we say and do,” he said, adding that hosts should be transparent about their positions and accountable for who they platform.

Much of Shapiro’s criticism focused on political commentator Nick Fuentes, whom he condemned for past remarks and behavior. Shapiro referenced Fuentes’ prior comments about public officials and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, citing Fuentes’ history of attacking Kirk and the organization. Shapiro said that media figures who invite Fuentes onto their platforms should openly acknowledge and take responsibility for that decision.

Shapiro noted the long-running feud between Fuentes and Kirk, which dates back to 2019. At that time, Fuentes and his supporters, known as Groypers, repeatedly disrupted Turning Point USA events and accused Kirk of promoting establishment conservatism. Kirk publicly rejected Fuentes and his movement, barred them from TPUSA events, and warned allies that engaging with Fuentes would amplify his influence.

Readers should note that Shapiro himself is rumored to have tension with Charlie Kirk while he was alive, particularly in the earlier stages of Turning Point USA. According to Fuentes, before he had a substantial following or any sort of public profile, he asked Shapiro why there was never anything critical of Israel on the Daily Wire, to which Shapiro replied accusing him of antisemitism, starting their years long feud.

Shapiro also criticized commentator Candace Owens, saying her public claims relied on assertion rather than evidence and did not meet basic standards of factual support. He argued that emotional accusations, conspiracy theories, and speculative questioning undermine the pursuit of truth.

Owens has publicly questioned aspects of the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, claiming that more than one person may have been involved and insinuating the involvement of Turning Point USA staff as well as foreign governments. She has also said that conversations with a lawyer left her uncertain about whether Tyler Robinson was responsible for the shooting, expressing doubts about the official account.

AmericaFest continues through the weekend with scheduled speeches, panels, and appearances from conservative politicians, activists, and media figures.

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