JD Vance calls out conservatives ‘afraid to act’ over fear of Democrats at Turning Point USA event
NEW: Vice President JD Vance calls out conservatives who are too afraid to take action now in fear of what Democrats might do in the future.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 30, 2025
Question: "Let's say we get a complete tyrant in office ... how could we prevent someone from abusing that power?"
Vance: "I want every… pic.twitter.com/kd80D23rg5
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI: Vice President JD Vance urged conservatives not to shy away from taking decisive action out of fear of potential retaliation from Democrats during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday, October 29.
His comments came as the conservative youth organization resumed public events following the recent fatal shooting of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
The event, part of the group’s “This Is the Turning Point” campus tour, drew thousands of attendees to the Sandy and John Black Pavilion amid heightened security.
JD Vance says conservatives 'cannot be afraid to act’
Addressing a question from the audience about how the country could prevent the abuse of power by future leaders, Vance emphasized that conservatives should not let hypothetical scenarios deter them from taking bold steps now.
“Let's say we get a complete tyrant in office ... how could we prevent someone from abusing that power?” a student asked.
Vance responded, “I want every conservative to remember, it's an important part of my entire political philosophy, is that we cannot be afraid to do something because the left might do it in the future.”
He continued, “The left is already going to do it regardless of whether we do it. That is the takeaway of the last 40 years.”
His remarks drew loud applause from the crowd, reflecting the growing assertiveness among younger conservative voters who see Vance as a leading voice for the movement’s future direction.
The event in Oxford marked one of Turning Point USA’s first major public gatherings since its founder, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot at a similar campus appearance in September. The organization, a major force in conservative student activism, has sought to maintain momentum while honoring Kirk’s legacy.
Erika Kirk delivers emotional tribute to her late husband
A video montage of Charlie Kirk’s life and work played before the crowd, ending with his words: “Turning Point will live longer than me. That’s my mission.” The arena fell silent, then erupted into applause.
When Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of the late founder, walked on stage, she was met with a standing ovation. Smiling through tears, she told the audience, “Charlie, when he came on campus, loved to immerse himself in the culture,” before leading them in the university’s “Hotty Toddy” chant.
Wearing a white “Freedom” shirt, she described the ongoing tour as both painful and healing. “I can hear Charlie say, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe,’” she said. “And at this moment every single one of us has a choice to make, whether we stand for freedom or are just going to fall for everything else.”
“You are the courageous generation,” she said. “Please stand firm against the wickedness of the devil and the schemes of man.”
Erika encouraged the audience to start new Turning Point chapters nationwide, announcing a partnership with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to expand across that state. “Remember, being the courageous generation that you are, stand up for the truth, defend life, love your family fearlessly, love this country, defend her and serve our God. And don’t think that it’s someone else’s world to do it, you do it. Do it for Charlie, do it for Charlie.”
JD Vance praises Charlie Kirk’s legacy and speaks ‘from the heart’
When Vance took the stage, the crowd roared. “I had prepared remarks,” he began, “but I’m going to speak from the heart, just as Charlie would have done.”
He recalled being in the West Wing when he learned of Kirk’s killing, calling it "a terrible tragedy for the United States of America."
Vance urged students to “fight the good fight” by getting involved in local campaigns and civic causes, declaring, “We have to save America.” As chants of “48!”, a reference to Trump’s potential 2028 bid, filled the arena, Vance smiled and replied, “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
The vice president ended with a Q&A session, taking questions on topics including faith, education, and technology. He said his Christian beliefs shape his leadership style, called for steeper immigration cuts, warned against government data surveillance, and defended Christianity’s central role in America’s founding.
