In the heart of Tampa, Florida, Turning Point USA’s Student Action Summit ignited a firestorm of conservative energy, drawing thousands of young attendees to hear from a lineup of influential voices. The third and final day of the conference, covered by Fox News’ Danielle Wallace, featured GOP strategist Roger Stone, reality TV star Savannah Chrisley, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and others. The summit, a vibrant hub for conservative youth, tackled pressing issues from immigration to free speech, with speakers urging students to shape the future of America.
Savannah Chrisley’s Political Ambitions
Savannah Chrisley, known from reality TV, captivated the audience with her bold announcement of a potential Senate run in the coming years. Fresh off securing pardons for her parents from President Donald Trump, Chrisley shared her vision for inspiring young voters. “In 2028, this is our time to stabilize ourselves and actually show up to vote,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. She expressed strong stances on issues like protecting women’s sports and her pro-life beliefs, stating, “There’s no apologies about it.” Chrisley’s message resonated with attendees, particularly when she spoke of empowering women. “I want to show my little sister that women have a seat at the table,” she said, highlighting her drive to lead by example.
Andre Bauer’s Challenge to Lindsey Graham
Former South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer took the stage to announce his 2026 primary challenge against Senator Lindsey Graham, whom he called a “two-faced viper” for perceived disloyalty to Trump. Bauer criticized Graham’s support for globalist policies and military interventions, particularly his comments on regime change in Iran, which Graham later contradicted. “The people of South Carolina deserve a senator who shares conservative values,” Bauer argued, rallying the crowd with a call to “deport” Graham from the Senate and align the state with Trump’s agenda.
Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” and Immigration Reform
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier delivered a fiery defense of Trump’s immigration policies, slamming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the “communist caucus” for opposing mass deportation plans. He highlighted the opening of a new immigration detention facility in the Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” a remote site surrounded by natural barriers like alligators and pythons. “We’ve repurposed money the Biden administration spent on fancy New York hotels for immigrants,” Uthmeier said, emphasizing the facility’s role in Trump’s deportation strategy. He also vowed to protect ICE agents from attacks and doxxing, reinforcing a “rule of law” stance that drew cheers from the crowd.
Controversy Over the Epstein Files
The summit wasn’t without controversy. Attendees expressed mixed feelings about President Trump’s and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s stance on the Jeffrey Epstein files, which Trump dismissed as a Democratic hoax. One student criticized Bondi’s “secretive energy,” arguing it hurt the administration’s image. Another, wearing a Trump ’47 cap, voiced disappointment, noting Bondi’s earlier claims about unreleased videos. “I think the president should keep his mouth closed on this,” said another attendee, reflecting a desire for transparency that clashed with Trump’s position.
Riley Gaines and the Cultural Battle
On the second day, covered by Rachel Wolf, Alec Schemmel, and Jasmine Baehr, NCAA All-American swimmer Riley Gaines took aim at a Wisconsin budget bill that proposed replacing “mother” with “inseminated person.” Calling it dehumanizing, Gaines, who is pregnant, shared her personal connection to the pro-life cause. “I’ve seen her little tiny hands, her little tiny feet,” she said of her unborn daughter, underscoring the moral stakes of the cultural debate. Her speech rallied students to resist what she called a “war on women.”
Tulsi Gabbard’s Fight Against the Deep State
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard inspired attendees with a call to reclaim America’s founding principles. She warned that the “deep state” within federal agencies continues to target free speech, citing Biden-era plans to label parents and traditional Catholics as domestic extremists. Gabbard praised Trump’s resilience, referencing the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he urged supporters to “fight, fight, fight.” “We chose the Constitution,” she said, urging students to stand up for freedom.
Tom Homan’s Defiant Border Security Stance
Border Czar Tom Homan electrified the crowd, responding to a heckler who accused him of MS-13 ties with a fierce rebuttal: “You want some? Come get some.” Homan promised the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, defending ICE agents against rising hostility. “They’re the finest 1% this country has,” he said, dismissing protesters as lacking the courage to serve. His unapologetic tone, laced with occasional profanity, resonated with the audience chanting “U-S-A!”
Russell Brand’s Spiritual Awakening
Comedian Russell Brand delivered a surprising sermon, trading humor for a heartfelt call to reject materialism and embrace faith. Reflecting on his 22 years of sobriety and newfound Christianity, Brand urged students to find purpose beyond fame and addiction. “No drug, no flesh can save you,” he said, citing the Gospels and describing his conversion as being “consumed by a holy light.” His message of surrender to a higher calling left a lasting impact on the young audience.
A Rallying Cry for Gen Z
The Turning Point USA Student Action Summit was more than a conference—it was a rallying cry for Gen Z conservatives to take charge of America’s future. From Chrisley’s political ambitions to Homan’s border security pledge, the speakers united in their call for action, faith, and unapologetic conservatism. As Gaines put it, “Gen Z, you’re not crazy for thinking the world has temporarily lost its mind.” The summit empowered students to vote, speak out, and fight for their values in a rapidly changing nation.