As Turning Point USA's AmericaFest thundered on in Phoenix, outrage erupted over claims that the organisation had crossed a disturbing line.
Critics accused the group and its new leader, Erika Kirk, of exploiting the murder of her husband, Charlie Kirk, by recreating the scene of his death as a backdrop for conference photo opportunities.
Images of the display quickly spread online, triggering a fierce backlash and prompting even loyal MAGA supporters to condemn it as morbid, unsettling and deeply inappropriate.
What was meant to be a show of strength instead unleashed a wave of anger, with critics accusing the organisation of turning personal tragedy into political theatre.
AmericaFest Under New Leadership
By the time AmericaFest reached its midpoint, cracks were already showing within the conservative movement.
Erika Kirk, who assumed leadership of Turning Point USA following her husband's assassination in September, attempted to strike a breezy note as tensions bubbled over.
'Say what you want about AmFest, but it's definitely not boring,' she told attendees, likening the event to an awkward family gathering where simmering disputes refuse to stay hidden.
Behind the scenes, however, the mood was far darker. Senior conservative figures were seen turning on one another, trading barbs and grievances instead of uniting against political rivals.
Observers say the bitter infighting reflects deeper fractures within the Republican coalition and raises uncomfortable questions about the direction of Turning Point USA under its new leadership. For many inside the conference halls, AmericaFest felt less like a political rally and more like a raw power struggle over influence, control and the future identity of the movement.
Replica Display Sparks Outrage on the Convention Floor
The backlash intensified after reports emerged of a photo op feature that recreated the tent where Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
According to Yahoo, attendees were lining up to take selfies at the replica, some wearing copies of the shirt Charlie Kirk had been wearing when he died.
MS NOW reporter Brandy Zadrozny described the scene as people openly posing for photos while expressing grief. The display was framed by signs and slogans referencing Charlie Kirk, turning a fatal shooting into a focal point for convention imagery.
Critics said the installation crossed a line between remembrance and spectacle. Authorities have charged 22 year old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection with the killing, a case that remains deeply painful for many supporters.
MAGA Voices Turn Against Turning Point USA
Anger over the display was swift and widespread on social media, including from within the MAGA movement. One self described MAGA investigative journalist wrote that the display was a 'disgusting and satanic macabre display' and accused the organisation of creating idols.
Another commentator reposted by the same account said there was 'something very sick, morbid and dark going on at that organisation', adding that 'real America First patriots see through the grift'.
Other users questioned how such an idea could have been approved at all. One wrote, 'Wouldn't your husband's assassination be the most traumatic thing to happen to you and your family? Yet you recreated it for a photo op.' Another said simply, 'Turning Point USA recreated the moment Charlie Kirk was executed for selfies. Anyone else find this strange?'
Yeah this proved to me that she does not care about him at all and this has all been for profit. Call me crazy but wouldn’t your husband’s assassination be the most traumatic thing to happen to you and your family? Yet you recreated it for a photo op?????? Insane that anyone… https://t.co/OPfNsUrCWW
— 𝓔𝓶 ♡ (@emkenobi) December 20, 2025
Turning Point USA recreated the moment Charlie Kirk was executed at their convention for people to take selfies with...
— Truth Seeker (@_TruthZone_) December 20, 2025
Anyone else find this strange? pic.twitter.com/L65TCNeGpz
I feel so stupid that my first thought when I heard Charlie was dead was compassion for this poor woman with two young children. What a waste. Do they even have children or where those also props? It appears Erika is celebrating his death. What a fucking scam!
— Brenda Factor (@brendafactor2) December 21, 2025
Accusations of Exploitation Follow Erika Kirk
The criticism has increasingly focused on Erika Kirk herself. Since taking the helm at Turning Point USA, she has faced scrutiny over how her husband's death is being used within the organisation. Detractors accuse her of allowing grief to be turned into branding, while supporters argue she is navigating an impossible situation under intense pressure.
Turning Point USA has not publicly addressed the backlash in detail, and Erika Kirk has not responded directly to the accusations. The controversy has nonetheless overshadowed much of AmericaFest, shifting focus away from speeches and policy toward questions of taste, ethics and leadership.
