Nicki Minaj made a surprise appearance at a Turning Point USA event, expressing support for Donald Trump and other conservative figures, signaling a shift towards more right-wing political views and dismissing critics in the entertainment industry.
Charlie Kirk's memorial service emphasized a shift towards a more evangelical Christian message within conservative politics, galvanizing the religious right and reinforcing Kirk's legacy as a prophet for revival, with high-profile speakers and a large turnout reflecting the movement's momentum.
Following the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, evangelical leaders and supporters have hailed him as a martyr, framing his killing as an attack on Christianity and a spiritual battle, while emphasizing themes of faith, patriotism, and political activism.
Larry Ellison's son, David Ellison, through Skydance Media, is reportedly preparing a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, which would significantly expand the family's influence in the entertainment industry. The Ellison family has notable political connections and interests in conservative media and politics, including potential involvement with CBS and other media ventures.
Dr. James Dobson, a prominent evangelical leader and advisor to four US presidents, known for founding Focus on the Family and influencing conservative politics, has died at age 89. His work shaped debates on family, faith, and culture, but also sparked controversy over his views on LGBTQ+ issues and social policies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, once facing multiple legal battles and impeachment, has seen a resurgence in popularity and power within the Texas GOP. With the recent dropping of fraud charges and growing approval among Republican voters, Paxton is now considered a strong political force, potentially eyeing a challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in 2026. Despite ongoing legal challenges and criticism from Democrats, Paxton's alliance with the party's hardline wing has solidified his position as a powerful figure in Texas politics.
A pinup calendar featuring conservative influencers and aspiring politicians has sparked a heated debate within the Christian conservative community, highlighting a shift in public morality and cultural norms. The calendar, published by a "woke-free beer" company, has prompted discussions on the intersection of Christian and secular conservatism, as well as the influence of Donald Trump on evangelical mores. The embrace of vulgarity and raunchy behavior within conservative power circles reflects a changing landscape in evangelical America, challenging traditional norms against profanity and sexual exhibitionism.
Voters in Huntington Beach, California, will decide on Measure B, which seeks to ban the display of Pride, breast cancer awareness, and religious flags on city property, sparking controversy and accusations of discrimination from critics. The ballot measure, supported by the conservative City Council majority, is seen as a move to counter liberal governance from the state capital and has drawn attention to the city's deepening involvement in culture wars. The LGBTQ community and its allies view the measure as divisive, while supporters argue it removes identity politics from the public square.
Virginia's legislative elections will serve as a test for Governor Glenn Youngkin's non-MAGA brand of conservative politics and his efforts to reshape the Republican Party. Youngkin, who hopes to flip the state Senate and maintain control of the House of Delegates, has endorsed candidates, campaigned extensively, and raised millions of dollars. His strategy involves recruiting candidates who reflect his conservative agenda and appeal to both Trump supporters and suburban voters. However, Democrats are projecting that they only need to retain control of the Senate to block Youngkin's policies, and Virginia's Democratic trend and focus on abortion rights could pose challenges for the Republican Party.
Rupert Murdoch, the retiring leader of Fox and News Corporation, built a powerful media empire by tapping into passion and grievance, turning it into money and power. His tabloids and Fox News ran on the idea of catering to readers' desires and emotions, rather than adhering to a higher journalistic ideal. Murdoch's conservative politics and news philosophy were fully expressed in Fox News, which used flashy aesthetics and a conservative bias to attract and engage viewers. However, the success of Fox News also led to contradictions within Murdoch's media empire, as the entertainment wing produced content that clashed with the commentators of the news wing. Ultimately, Murdoch's creation played a significant role in the rise of Donald Trump, who used Fox News as a platform and capitalized on its viewers' desires for a more extreme version of its content. As Fox News faced backlash and competition from more extreme right-wing networks, it struggled to control the passion and fury it had once encouraged.
Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to charges related to the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner in Washington, D.C. Tarrio led the far-right extremist group during a time when they gained prominence within conservative politics.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign shared a controversial video on Twitter attacking former President Donald Trump's record on L.G.B.T.Q. issues, drawing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. The video juxtaposed Trump's supportive statements with DeSantis's hard-line stance on gay and transgender rights, using provocative imagery and right-wing internet memes. DeSantis, who is trailing behind Trump in national polls, has been positioning himself to the right of his chief rival in the Republican primary. However, the video risks alienating moderate voters and Republican donors, potentially impacting DeSantis's chances in a general election.
The inaugural Pride festival in Grand Haven, Michigan, drew thousands of attendees, surprising organizers who had hoped for at least 500. The festival was a response to increasing hostility toward the LGBTQ community seen nationwide and in the region, including controversial decisions made by a conservative Christian group that claimed a majority on Ottawa County’s board of commissioners. Despite opposition, the City Council unanimously approved the plan for a Pride festival at the waterfront stadium in downtown Grand Haven. The event was a success, with no disruptions of note, and attendees hope to repeat it in the future.
Pat Robertson, the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network and a prominent televangelist who mixed politics and religion, has died at the age of 93. Robertson was a key figure in the rise of the Christian right in American politics and helped found the Christian Coalition, which aimed to spur evangelical Christians into political action. He also made a multimillion-dollar business empire and was a vocal supporter of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. However, his provocative comments and condemnations of what he considered rampant moral depravity pushed him to the cultural margins in later years.
Pat Robertson, the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network and the Christian Coalition, died at the age of 93. Robertson was a prominent figure in the conservative evangelical movement and a controversial political commentator. He ran for president in 1988 and was a key figure in mobilizing conservative Christians into a political bloc. Robertson's legacy includes his media empire and his influence on the modern Republican Party.