Sunday marked the final day of Turning Point’s annual AmericaFest conference that drew more than 30,000 people to downtown Phoenix.
PHOENIX — Today was the final day of Turning Point’s annual AmericaFest conference in downtown Phoenix.
RELATED: Here’s what you missed at Turning Point’s chaotic convention
This year’s gathering was the first since TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September.
The crowd heard from some of the nation’s top conservative leaders, with the headliner Vice President JD Vance.
It was a celebration of faith, freedom, and the legacy of Charlie Kirk for more than 30,000 people who came from all over the U.S. to the Phoenix Convention Center for AmericaFest 2025.
From White House border czar Tom Homan to Speaker Mike Johnson, some big names on the political stage took the stage in downtown Phoenix.
“We have the most secure border in the history of this country,” Homan told the crowd. “Three days on the border, I didn’t see one illegal alien. None.”
“I think the best way to honor Charlie’s legacy is to live as he lived,” said Johnson.
Donald Trump Jr. even brought in President Donald Trump on his phone, who shared a message with those who attended.
“Nobody did more for me than Charlie, and there’s nobody better than Erika… and you are the greatest people on earth,” said President Trump. “I just want to thank you all, and I hope my son is doing a good job representing me. Otherwise, I’ll have to say “You’re fired, Don! You’re fired.”
They also played a recording of Trump talking about the legacy of Charlie Kirk.
“Charlie was a warrior for God and country, and he gave everything he had, even his life… in the fight to save America from those who would destroy it,” President Trump said in the recording.
Much to the crowd’s surprise, Nicki Minaj joined Erika Kirk as her special guest.
“I’ve performed for huge crowds all around the world, and no matter how many songs I do on that stage, it didn’t mean as much as this, because this is a direct link for a younger people,” said Minaj. “This is a direct link between young people and God.”
Closing out the final day at the conference, Erika Kirk introduced Vice President JD Vance. Vance has been suggested as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2028.
“December marks seven months straight of zero releases at the southern border,” Vance told those in attendance.
The vice president reflected on Charlie Kirk’s life, explaining how his death impacted him.
“Charlie’s death was an immense loss, an irreplaceable loss,” said Vance. “…It is better to die a patriot than to live a coward.”
People who came from across the country told 12News they left feeling empowered.
“I wanted to say with deep conviction the words that I know Charlie said of ‘Here am I Lord. Send me’ and so I feel like God brought me on a journey in these four days where I can say that now,” said Brigette Marquardt, who traveled from Texas.
“It’s not just his legacy, but all of us carry a legacy and we get the opportunity to build that now,” said Jevon Dotson, who also traveled from Texas.
“I feel like God has given me courage to step into the position I have,” said Ronald Blacic, a high school student from Anthem.
They also talked about what they want everyone to remember following the conference.
“When you lose faith, freedom becomes fragile,” said Kamran Dettling from Maine.
“Jesus won,” said Linda Isabella Rendon, who traveled from California. “He died on the cross for us, and he defeated death.”
Erika Kirk closed the event by inviting everyone back for America Fest 2026 next December.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.”
Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.