4:34Vice President JD Vance addressed the concluding day of Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 21, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.Caylo Seals/Getty Images
On Sunday, Vice President JD Vance wrapped up the last day of Turning Point USA's AmericaFest convention, uniting conservatives around the principles of Christianity and the “America First” agenda.
Earlier in the week during the conference, Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk and current CEO of Turning Point USA, endorsed Vance for the 2028 presidential race. While Vance did not directly acknowledge the endorsement on Sunday, he expressed gratitude to Erika Kirk for her backing.
“I must begin with a heartfelt thank you, Erika. I truly appreciate your strength, grace, and your supportive words for this administration and for me personally,” Vance remarked.
The annual gathering kicked off on Thursday, representing the first year without the organization’s founder, the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed in September.
“… However, let me emphasize that the best way to honor Charlie is for none of us to engage in actions after his passing that he himself chose not to pursue in life. He welcomed all of us here,” Vance stated.
"Charlie had a reason for inviting all of us here, because he believed that each one of us had something valuable to contribute,” Vance added.
Vice President JD Vance addressed the concluding day of Turning Point USA’s annual AmericaFest conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 21, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona.Caylo Seals/Getty Images
Throughout his speech, Vance referenced Charlie Kirk several times: “If you miss Charlie Kirk, do you pledge to fight for what he sacrificed his life for?… Do you vow to help defeat the radicals who celebrated his death?”
Vance hinted at the prospect of “more prosecutions,” suggesting that he and President Donald Trump have “a roster of superior judges and prosecutors to implement quicker justice.”
"Greatness lies ahead for each of you in the America First movement we are constructing together, but we need your participation to achieve it," Vance declared.
"Do you desire more prosecutions? Excellent, so do we. Donald Trump and I possess a list of better judges and prosecutors to facilitate quicker justice, so join us in the battle against the unreasonable Senate rules that hinder progress," he continued.
He consistently criticized Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Ilhan Omar, labeling them as “puppets” and accusing them of aiming to make Americans “poorer,” “less powerful,” and “less safe.”
In a closing statement reminiscent of a campaign, Vance assured Turning Point members devoted to Charlie Kirk’s vision of “victory” along with “secured borders and safe communities.”
“Only God can guarantee you salvation in the afterlife, but together, we can realize the promise of the greatest nation ever to exist on Earth,” he stated.
Among the other prominent speakers on Sunday were Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, and Donald Trump Jr., who also honored the late Charlie Kirk and united the conservative audience.
President Donald Trump also shared brief comments via phone during Trump Jr.'s speech, and singer-songwriter and rapper Nicki Minaj joined Erika Kirk on stage.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com