Vance argued that honoring Kirk’s legacy required confronting political opponents whom he labeled “radicals” and “puppets,” accusing them of seeking to make the country “poorer, less powerful and less safe.” Among those he criticized by name were California Governor Gavin Newsom and Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
Calls for “swifter justice” and Senate rule changes
Addressing criminal justice and judiciary policy, the vice president said he and President Donald Trump have identified judges and prosecutors they believe would move more aggressively against what he called politicized wrongdoing. “Do you want more prosecutions? Great, so do we,” Vance declared. He urged attendees to help the administration overcome what he described as “stupid Senate rules” that, in his view, impede confirmation of preferred nominees.
While no specific legislative proposal was outlined, Vance’s remarks underscored a pledge to reshape the federal bench should the Trump–Vance ticket win re-election in 2026, the midterm year that will also decide control of the Senate.
Broader conservative lineup
Sunday’s program featured several high-profile figures who echoed Vance’s themes and paid tribute to Charlie Kirk. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, White House border adviser Tom Homan and Donald Trump Jr. each addressed the crowd. Former President Trump also made a brief appearance by telephone during his son’s remarks, thanking participants for “keeping the movement alive.”
One of the day’s most widely shared moments on social media came when singer-songwriter and rapper Nicki Minaj joined Erika Kirk on stage. Minaj offered a short greeting but did not perform.
Imagem: Internet
Focus on 2026 and beyond
Although the event was organized as a policy and activist summit, Vance’s language carried clear campaign overtones. He pledged “closed borders and safe communities” if conservatives maintain control of the White House and reclaim a filibuster-proof margin in the Senate. Turning Point USA, which targets high-school and college-age voters, announced plans to expand its campus presence in all 50 states ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Vance positioned himself as a bridge between the original America First agenda and a younger generation of activists. Supporters inside the convention hall cheered references to future elections, including 2028, when Trump will be term-limited if re-elected. Political strategists have frequently cited Vance as a likely contender that year, describing him as the former president’s “enforcer” in the current administration. For background, the non-partisan Congressional Research Service notes that sitting vice presidents often start early groundwork for later national campaigns (crsreports.congress.gov).
No policy departures announced
Beyond rhetoric, the vice president offered few concrete policy departures from existing administration positions. He reiterated support for stricter immigration controls, a larger domestic manufacturing base and continued opposition to what he called “the cultural agenda of the left.” Specific proposals, Vance said, would be detailed during the 2026 campaign season.
Convention organizers reported attendance at approximately 10,000 over four days, similar to last year. Security was more visible than in previous editions, reflecting concerns raised after Charlie Kirk’s killing three months earlier. Phoenix police did not release details on the security footprint but confirmed multiple law-enforcement agencies were involved.
As the program concluded, Erika Kirk thanked attendees for what she called an “outpouring of support” following her husband’s death. Vance, standing beside her, closed with a promise that “greatness awaits every single one of you in the America First movement we are building together.”
Crédito da imagem: Caylo Seals/Getty Images
