Turning Point USA’s recent Student Action Summit featured a series of provocative conversations around Israel, Iran, and Jeffrey Epstein — topics that sparked strong reactions online and among attendees.
Although the organization maintains a pro-Israel stance, the summit featured speakers with varying views. “Charlie is one of the most vocal supporters of Israel in this country,” a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) resource page states. “I hope these videos and links help clear up any questions you may have.”
Nonetheless, speakers such as Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Dave Smith raised questions that diverged from traditional narratives, drawing widespread attention.
Carlson, speaking to a packed room, questioned whether Epstein may have been tied to a foreign intelligence operation.
“You have had all of this contact with a foreign government. Were you working on behalf of Mossad? Were you running a blackmail operation?” Carlson asked. “Everyone in Washington thinks that. I do not know anyone who does not.”
Kelly echoed the sentiment in an on-stage exchange with TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, saying she believed Epstein had worked for Mossad. Kirk then asked the crowd for a show of hands, and about half responded in agreement.
Libertarian commentator and comedian Dave Smith debated journalist Josh Hammer over U.S. foreign policy and military involvement in the Middle East. Smith criticized American entanglements overseas, while Hammer defended the U.S.-Israel alliance. The two ended the exchange on amicable terms.
“Today I moderated a debate between Dave Smith and Josh Hammer on Israel. It was fiery, fun, and mostly peaceful,” Kirk posted on X. “Debate is the way forward, not name calling or censorship.”
Public polling reveals that views on Israel vary significantly by age group. Gallup reports that 46% of Americans express sympathy toward Israelis, a drop from previous years. Among Republicans ages 18–29, support stands at 28%. Pew Research finds that among all adults under 30, support is just 14%.
Online reaction to the summit was mixed. Laura Loomer accused Kirk of “playing both sides” of the Iran issue. Candace Owens praised Carlson’s remarks, writing, “Tucker is a real one.” Others, like the account Green Lives Matter, called the exchange “incredible,” noting how openly the topic of Mossad was addressed.
One former Israeli prime minister rejected the speculation entirely, calling it “categorically and totally false.”
Despite the controversy, some attendees and commentators applauded the summit’s willingness to feature open debate on controversial subjects.
The Dallas Express reached out to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.