President-elect Donald Trump is poised to speak at the AmericaFest 2024 event in Phoenix, Arizona, marking his first rally-style speech since winning the election. AmericaFest kicked off on Thursday, Dec. 19, and is organized by Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk has underscored the importance of this gathering for the conservative movement, highlighting the substantial support Trump enjoys among Arizona voters.
“We are incredibly honored that President Trump will deliver his first rally-style speech since the election at AmFest 2024 in Phoenix,” Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action chief Charlie Kirk said in a press release, per Fox News. “This was already the largest multi-day event in the movement, and this year will be the biggest we’ve ever hosted, by far.”
“When I spoke to the president, he said he’d only do it if we called it a ‘Tribute to Arizona,’ so that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Kirk continued. “President Trump knows the people of Arizona have always been with him, they’re loyal to him and they just delivered the largest win for him of all of the swing states, giving him a 5.5% margin of victory.”
The upcoming speech reflects Trump’s acknowledgment of the state’s steadfast support during the campaign. Expecting a strong turnout, the event will also feature multiple conservative lawmakers and Trump allies who will address attendees before Trump takes the stage.
This rally will unfold shortly after Congress averted a potential government shutdown by passing a stopgap funding bill. The Senate approved the legislation early Saturday, which, while providing much-needed financial relief for farmers and disaster aid, drew criticism from some conservatives, including notable figures such as Elon Musk, for failing to suspend the debt ceiling.
In discussions surrounding the government shutdown, Trump had pushed for the suspension of the debt limit, aiming to find a resolution to the fiscal crisis. Although he remained publicly silent following the passage of the funding bill, reports indicate that he was displeased with the final agreement, particularly its lack of a debt limit suspension.
AmericaFest is characterized as a multi-day celebration that emphasizes conservative values and seeks to galvanize support ahead of challenging political battles. The event signifies a rallying point for conservatives, gathering key figures in the movement and engaging grassroots supporters. Through this appearance, Trump aims to reinforce his connection with Republican voters in Arizona while energizing a base that remains pivotal for future electoral strategies.
