Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

America First Political Action Conference

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) is an annual political conference founded in 2020 by Nicholas J. Fuentes through the America First Foundation, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to advancing traditional values, Trumpian populism, and American nationalism.^[1] AFPAC positions itself as an alternative to mainstream conservative gatherings like the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), emphasizing a more uncompromising commitment to prioritizing American interests in policy, immigration, and foreign affairs.^[2] The event has featured speeches from elected officials including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar, signaling its appeal to a faction within the Republican Party seeking to shift the party toward nationalist priorities amid criticisms of establishment conservatism as insufficiently protective of national sovereignty.^[3]^[2] Despite attracting growing influence—evidenced by reduced political repercussions for associations with its organizers—AFPAC has encountered repeated venue cancellations and deplatforming efforts, such as the 2024 Detroit iteration, highlighting tensions between its agenda and institutional gatekeepers in media and hospitality.^[2]

Origins and Organization

Founding by Nick Fuentes

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) was established in 2020 by Nick Fuentes, a livestreamer and organizer known for his America First advocacy and leadership of the Groyper movement, which had previously challenged mainstream conservative figures at events like those hosted by Turning Point USA and CPAC.^[4]^[5] Fuentes positioned AFPAC as a direct alternative to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), criticizing the latter for compromising on core nationalist priorities such as immigration enforcement and skepticism toward neoconservative foreign policy.^[4] Organized through the America First Foundation, which Fuentes heads, AFPAC was conceived to convene activists, commentators, and political figures committed to what its proponents describe as uncompromised "America First" ideology, including opposition to mass immigration, globalist trade deals, and interventions abroad.^[6] The inaugural event occurred in the Washington, D.C., area proximate to CPAC's venue, underscoring its role as a parallel gathering for those disillusioned with establishment conservatism's perceived dilutions.^[4] While outlets affiliated with progressive or anti-extremist advocacy have characterized the founding as an effort to mainstream white nationalist elements within the Republican sphere, Fuentes has framed AFPAC's origins in terms of revitalizing populist nationalism against elite conservatism, drawing from his experiences being barred from prior CPAC attendance.^[7]^[8] Such characterizations often reflect institutional biases in media and watchdog groups toward right-wing populism, prioritizing ideological opposition over empirical alignment with Fuentes' stated focus on demographic preservation and economic protectionism.^[4]

Structure and Logistics

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) is organized by the America First Foundation, a nonprofit entity founded and led by political commentator Nicholas J. Fuentes, dedicated to advancing principles of traditional values, populism, and national sovereignty.^[9] ^[1] The foundation handles event coordination, including speaker invitations, promotion through affiliated media and online streams, and fundraising via donations and merchandise sales.^[6] AFPAC operates as an alternative to mainstream conservative gatherings like the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), often scheduling events in close proximity to draw comparative attention and attendees from overlapping networks.^[10] Logistically, AFPAC events are typically one-day affairs featuring a sequence of speeches and addresses by Fuentes, political figures, and activists, with minimal panel discussions or workshops reported.^[11] Venues have included hotel conference spaces, such as the Hilton Orlando in Florida for the 2021 event and the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, for the 2023 gathering, selected for capacity and location near major political hubs.^[11] ^[10] Attendance ranges from approximately 500 to 600 participants, primarily young adults affiliated with the Groyper online activist community, with tickets sold through the foundation's platforms.^[6] ^[11] Operational challenges have included venue bookings facing cancellations or relocations due to protests from advocacy groups, as seen in 2021 when Fuentes was barred from the Hyatt Regency Orlando, prompting a shift to the Hilton under restricted access to avoid disruptions. ^[12] Events emphasize in-person networking for political realignment efforts, such as primary challenges against establishment Republicans, supported by live streaming on platforms like Cozy.tv for broader reach.^[11][float-right]

Historical Development

Inaugural 2020 Event

The inaugural America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) was held on February 28, 2020, in Washington, D.C., organized by political commentator Nick Fuentes as an alternative gathering to the contemporaneous Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).^[6]^[14] The event aimed to advance "America First" priorities, emphasizing nationalism, opposition to immigration, and criticism of establishment conservatism, positioning itself as a platform for younger, more ideologically committed activists dissatisfied with mainstream Republican events. Key speakers included Fuentes himself, who addressed the audience on themes of political realignment and Trump-era conservatism; Scott Greer, a former Daily Caller editor who critiqued the failures of post-Trump Republicanism; and Patrick Casey, associated with white advocacy groups.^[14] Columnist Michelle Malkin also participated, delivering remarks that aligned with the conference's focus on immigration restriction and cultural preservation. The gathering drew a modest crowd primarily from online "Groyper" networks—Fuentes' followers known for confronting mainstream conservatives—and served as the foundational event for subsequent AFPACs, establishing a pattern of holding the conference near CPAC locations to draw contrasts.^[14] Organizers framed AFPAC as a venue for uncompromised advocacy, free from what they viewed as CPAC's corporate influences and moderation of nationalist views, though attendance details and exact capacity were not publicly detailed for the debut iteration.^[6] The event occurred amid heightened political tensions following the 2019 "Groyper Wars," where Fuentes' supporters had disrupted CPAC-affiliated appearances to push for stricter ideological purity. Subsequent reporting from advocacy groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center highlighted the inaugural AFPAC's lineup as indicative of far-right networking, but primary accounts emphasize its role in consolidating a post-Trump activist base.^[14]

2021 Conference

The second annual America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC II) took place on February 26, 2021, at the Hilton Orlando hotel in Orlando, Florida.^[12]^[15] The event was organized by Nick Fuentes as an alternative gathering to the nearby Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which occurred from February 25 to 28 in the same city, positioning AFPAC as a platform for dissident voices within the broader conservative movement critical of establishment Republican priorities.^[16] The conference maintained a low public profile, with details shared primarily through Fuentes' online networks rather than widespread promotion.^[12] U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) delivered the surprise keynote address, praising the audience's commitment to "America First" principles and emphasizing themes of national sovereignty, opposition to mass immigration, and resistance to globalist influences in U.S. policy.^[15] Fuentes, the founder, spoke at length about the need to reject neoconservative foreign interventions and cultural liberalism, advocating for a populist reconfiguration of the Republican Party around protectionist economics and demographic preservation.^[17] Other sessions focused on critiques of Big Tech censorship and the perceived failures of mainstream conservatism to address electoral integrity concerns following the 2020 presidential election, with attendees discussing strategies for grassroots mobilization.^[16] Gosar's appearance drew immediate scrutiny from media outlets and political opponents, who characterized the event as promoting exclusionary nationalist ideologies, though supporters viewed it as a legitimate forum for debating policy divergences from CPAC's agenda.^[15]^[12] No official attendance figures were released, but the gathering attracted a dedicated online following of young activists aligned with Fuentes' "Groyper" network, marking an early instance of elected officials engaging directly with this faction.^[16] The conference underscored tensions within the post-2020 Republican ecosystem, highlighting efforts to challenge institutional conservatism through independent convenings.

2022 Gathering and Mainstream Crossover

The third America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC III) occurred on February 25–26, 2022, at the Orlando Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida, deliberately scheduled as counter-programming to the mainstream Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held nearby.^[18]^[19] Organized by Nick Fuentes, the event featured speeches emphasizing nationalist policies, immigration restriction, and critiques of establishment conservatism, attracting attendees aligned with the "Groyper" movement.^[20] A significant aspect of AFPAC III was the participation of mainstream Republican figures, marking increased crossover between America First activism and elected officials. Speakers included U.S. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Paul Gosar of Arizona, Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin, and Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers.^[18]^[21] Additional listed speakers encompassed Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, further highlighting appeals to prominent conservative personalities.^[21] These appearances were interpreted by proponents as validation of America First priorities within the GOP base, though critics, including outlets like The New York Times, viewed them as evidence of extremism infiltrating Republican ranks.^[22] The event drew scrutiny from left-leaning advocacy groups such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which labeled it a "white supremacist" gathering and highlighted the elected officials' involvement as concerning.^[18] Greene responded by emphasizing her focus on constituents supportive of America First policies, dismissing broader characterizations of the conference.^[3] This participation fueled internal Republican debates on ideological boundaries, with some viewing it as a strategic push to realign conservatism toward populist nationalism, while others, including party leaders, faced pressure to denounce associations with Fuentes.^[22]^[19] The crossover underscored tensions between grassroots nationalist elements and institutional conservatism, evidenced by the speakers' prominence despite the event's fringe reputation in mainstream media narratives.^[18]^[3]

2023–2024 Evolution

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) continued its annual format in 2023 with AFPAC III held on March 4 at the Residence Inn by Marriott in National Harbor, Maryland, directly across from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) venue.^[10] This proximity positioned the event as a deliberate counterpoint to mainstream conservative gatherings, with organizer Nick Fuentes framing it as a rally to challenge perceived establishment influences within the Republican Party.^[10] Attendance details were not publicly quantified, but the event drew participants interested in remaking GOP priorities toward stricter nationalist stances.^[10] In 2024, AFPAC IV shifted to Detroit, Michigan, scheduled for June 15 at the Russell Industrial Center, reflecting an expansion beyond East Coast venues to engage Midwestern audiences.^[2] The planned location faced cancellation amid disputes, prompting an impromptu relocation to a hotel courtyard and the Exodos Rooftop venue, where proceedings continued with a sizable crowd.^[2] ^[23] Key participants included Paul Ingrassia of the New York Young Republican Club, Alec Beaton as youth chair of the St. Clair County GOP, and Lauren Witzke, the 2020 Delaware GOP Senate candidate, alongside Fuentes.^[2] Sessions emphasized Christian nationalist themes, including pledges prioritizing "America First" over foreign commitments like aid to Israel, with recitations of "Christ is our king."^[2] This period marked an evolution toward greater visibility and reduced isolation from certain Republican factions, as evidenced by open attendance from Turning Point USA affiliates and less severe professional repercussions for associating with Fuentes compared to prior years.^[2] Previously strict no-photography policies were relaxed, enabling widespread social media documentation and signaling increased organizational confidence.^[2] Venue challenges persisted, underscoring ongoing deplatforming pressures, yet the event's adaptability highlighted sustained momentum within niche nationalist networks.^[23]

Ideological Foundations

Core Principles of America First

The core principles of America First, as articulated by Nick Fuentes and promoted at AFPAC events, emphasize national sovereignty, self-preservation, and the prioritization of native-born Americans' interests over international obligations or demographic transformation. Foreign policy under this framework rejects neoconservative interventionism, advocating withdrawal from overseas conflicts, elimination of foreign aid, and a focus on domestic security; Fuentes has explicitly called for "no more wars," positioning endless military engagements as a drain on American resources and lives that benefits foreign entities at the expense of U.S. taxpayers.^[24] This stance stems from a causal view that global commitments erode national strength, with proponents arguing that post-World War II alliances like NATO have entangled the U.S. in unnecessary entanglements, evidenced by trillions spent on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan yielding minimal strategic gains.^[24] Immigration policy constitutes a foundational element, demanding a total moratorium on legal and illegal entries to halt what advocates describe as the replacement of the historic American population through mass influxes from non-Western countries. Fuentes and AFPAC speakers have tied support for political figures to commitments for indefinite pauses on immigration—potentially spanning decades—alongside mass deportations of over 10 million undocumented individuals and curbs on visa programs displacing native workers, asserting that current levels (over 1 million legal immigrants annually plus millions crossing borders irregularly) undermine wages, cultural homogeneity, and social trust.^[24] Empirical data cited includes Census Bureau projections showing non-Hispanic whites becoming a minority by 2045, which proponents frame as intentional erosion of the nation's founding stock rather than benign diversity.^[24] Economic tenets favor protectionism to revive manufacturing and shield workers from globalization's effects, endorsing tariffs on imports—such as Trump's proposed 10-20% universal rates—to counter trade deficits exceeding $900 billion in 2022 and repatriate jobs lost to offshoring. Fuentes has lauded such measures as "nationalist" economics, rejecting free-trade orthodoxy for prioritizing American industry over consumer prices or multinational profits, with historical precedents like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act invoked to argue that insulation from cheap foreign labor fosters self-reliance.^[25] Underlying these is a social vision rooted in Christian traditionalism, viewing America as historically a Christian nation requiring restoration of biblical morality against secular progressivism, including opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and feminism as drivers of declining birth rates (now at 1.6 children per woman) and family breakdown. Fuentes has proclaimed Christian nationalism as essential to counter multiculturalism's dilution of Western heritage, drawing on integralist ideas that state power should align with ecclesiastical authority to enforce virtue and reject relativism.^[26] This holistic approach posits that ignoring cultural preservation invites civilizational decline, as seen in Europe's migrant crises and rising crime correlated with demographic shifts in U.S. cities.^[24]

Critique of Mainstream Conservatism

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) positions itself as a rebuke to what its organizers term "Conservatism Inc.," portraying mainstream conservative institutions—such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and organizations like Turning Point USA—as compromised by donor influences, ideological inconsistencies, and a failure to prioritize national sovereignty. Speakers at AFPAC events, including founder Nick Fuentes and guest Michelle Malkin, argue that these entities have accommodated policies eroding American identity, including unchecked immigration and cultural shifts toward multiculturalism, rather than mounting a robust defense of traditional demographics and borders.^[27]^[28] This critique gained prominence during the 2019 "Groyper Wars," where AFPAC-aligned activists disrupted events by mainstream groups, pressing speakers on issues like H-1B visa expansions and amnesty proposals, which they contend mainstream conservatism tacitly supports despite rhetorical opposition.^[29] A central charge is mainstream conservatism's perceived complicity in demographic transformation through lax immigration enforcement. AFPAC proponents contend that organizations within Conservatism Inc. have lobbied for or failed to oppose legal immigration surges, contributing to what they describe as the displacement of native-born Americans; for instance, critiques highlight endorsements of skilled-worker programs that prioritize foreign labor over domestic training.^[30] This stance, according to AFPAC rhetoric, aligns mainstream conservatives with globalist elites, undermining the "America First" imperative of border security and population stability, as evidenced by events held proximate to CPAC to underscore the contrast.^[19] Foreign policy represents another fault line, with AFPAC speakers decrying neoconservative interventionism as a betrayal of isolationist principles. Mainstream conservatism is accused of perpetuating endless wars and foreign aid commitments—such as support for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, or more recently Ukraine—that drain U.S. resources without reciprocal benefits, while diverting attention from domestic revitalization.^[31] Fuentes has framed this as Conservatism Inc.'s subservience to internationalist lobbies, contrasting it with America First's emphasis on non-intervention unless vital interests are at stake.^[24] Culturally, AFPAC critiques mainstream conservatism for insufficient resistance to progressive incursions, including tolerance of elements like Log Cabin Republicans or invitations to speakers perceived as softening stances on traditional marriage and identity. This is seen as performative opposition that avoids alienating corporate backers, allowing the entrenchment of what AFPAC calls "cultural Marxism" in institutions.^[32] Overall, these arguments portray mainstream conservatism not as a genuine opposition force but as controlled opposition, enabling left-wing advances through half-measures and elite capture, a view substantiated in AFPAC speeches as necessitating a more uncompromising nationalist alternative.^[27]

Key Events and Speakers

Prominent Political Attendees

U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) delivered the keynote address at the 2021 America First Political Action Conference held in Orlando, Florida, on February 26.^[15] At the 2022 event, known as AFPAC III and also in Orlando, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) spoke in person, emphasizing themes of constitutional fidelity and resilience against cancellation.^[18] ^[3] Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin (R-ID) contributed a pre-recorded video message congratulating attendees and highlighting opposition to masking and vaccine mandates.^[18] Gosar again participated via a brief pre-recorded clip criticizing Democratic leadership, while Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers submitted a video praising the event's organizers for providing a platform amid challenges.^[18] Earlier iterations, such as the inaugural 2020 conference, featured no verified participation from sitting elected federal or statewide officials, focusing instead on activists and commentators.^[3] Subsequent events in 2023 and 2024 saw attendance from lower-profile Republican figures, including former Texas State Representative Jonathan Stickland, who met with organizers in 2023, and Texas RNC delegate Mark Ivanyo as a VIP guest in 2024, alongside candidates like Lauren Witzke, but lacked addresses from prominent incumbents comparable to prior years.^[2]

Influential Activists and Commentators

Nicholas J. Fuentes, the founder and organizer of AFPAC, serves as its most prominent commentator and activist, delivering keynote addresses that emphasize nationalist critiques of immigration, globalism, and mainstream conservatism. At AFPAC II in 2021, Fuentes advocated for destroying the Republican Party's establishment wing to rebuild it around "America First" principles centered on European heritage and Christian values.^[11] His influence stems from leading the "Groyper" online movement, which mobilizes young nationalists through live-streaming and social media challenges against perceived conservative compromises.^[16] Vincent James, a video producer and Groyper activist affiliated with The Red Elephants media collective, has spoken at multiple AFPAC events, including the 2021 edition where he echoed calls to dismantle GOP structures and prioritized racial demographics in policy debates.^[11] James's commentary focuses on cultural preservation against multiculturalism, drawing from his participation in post-2020 election activism.^[16] Michelle Malkin, a syndicated columnist and author known for anti-immigration advocacy, addressed AFPAC II, criticizing organizations like CPAC for insufficient opposition to demographic changes and promoting the "historic American nation" as defined by its founding European stock.^[11] Her appearances align with efforts to bridge paleoconservative critiques with Groyper activism, though she has faced professional repercussions for such associations.^[16] Jaden McNeil, leader of America First Students, an organization targeting campus activism, participated in AFPAC II by introducing speakers and advancing youth mobilization against university diversity initiatives.^[11] His role highlights AFPAC's emphasis on recruiting young commentators to sustain the movement's online-to-offline pipeline. Jon Miller, a former BlazeTV host and podcaster, spoke at AFPAC events, including 2021, where he critiqued Black Lives Matter and positioned himself as a bridge between mainstream media and nationalist circles.^[11] Miller's contributions focus on election integrity and cultural commentary, leveraging his broadcast experience to amplify AFPAC themes.^[16]

Reception and Debates

Support Within Nationalist Circles

The America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) has received substantial backing from the Groyper Army, a loose network of young activists aligned with Christian nationalism and stringent opposition to immigration and multiculturalism, who view the event as a platform to challenge mainstream conservatism's perceived deviations from national sovereignty.^[33] This group, organized around livestreamer Nick Fuentes, disrupted events like Turning Point USA's 2019 Student Action Summit to demand adherence to America First priorities such as immigration moratoriums and isolationism, subsequently channeling energy into AFPAC as an alternative gathering.^[24] Groypers constitute the conference's primary organizational and attendance base, with Fuentes crediting their mobilization for AFPAC's expansion from 120 attendees in its inaugural 2020 event to over 1,000 by 2022.^[6] Paleoconservative commentators and figures have lent visibility through participation, signaling alignment with AFPAC's critique of neoconservative foreign policy and emphasis on demographic preservation. Michelle Malkin, a syndicated columnist advocating restricted immigration and cultural traditionalism, spoke at AFPAC I in February 2020 and AFPAC II in February 2021, praising the event for amplifying voices sidelined by establishment Republicans.^[6] Similarly, former U.S. Representative Steve King, known for legislation targeting birthright citizenship and opposing amnesty, addressed AFPAC II on February 26, 2021, framing his support around defending American workers and heritage against globalist influences.^[6] These endorsements reflect a broader nationalist endorsement of AFPAC as a venue for uncompromised advocacy on borders, trade protectionism, and anti-interventionism, distinct from broader GOP events like CPAC.^[34]

Criticisms from Establishment Perspectives

Establishment Republicans, including congressional leaders and former officials, have condemned the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) as a venue for extremism incompatible with the party's principles and electoral viability. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated in response to Republican attendance at the 2022 event, "There’s no place in the Republican Party for white supremacists or anti-Semitism."^[35]^[36] Similarly, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel described white supremacy, neo-Nazism, hate speech, and bigotry—elements associated with AFPAC organizer Nick Fuentes—as "disgusting" and having no place in the GOP.^[36] House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy labeled GOP participation in the 2022 AFPAC as "appalling and wrong," emphasizing that "there’s no place in our party for any of this" and deeming Fuentes's rhetoric "unacceptable."^[35]^[36] House Minority Whip Steve Scalise echoed this, asserting "there’s no place in America for antisemitism, for hate speech and thought that any race is purer than any other."^[35] These rebukes followed appearances by Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar at the Orlando conference, which overlapped with the mainstream Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and amplified perceptions of AFPAC as a rival gathering promoting fringe views.^[35] Former Senator Mitt Romney criticized the event as "hate-filled, anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, conspiracy-mongering," questioning the judgment of attendees like Greene and Gosar and remarking that the GOP had "morons on my team" for engaging with it.^[37] Representative Liz Cheney, another establishment voice, condemned AFPAC as a platform for extremist ideologies including white supremacy, urging rejection to maintain party integrity.^[37] Figures like Representative Jim Banks reinforced this stance, stating that AFPAC is "an event that no Republican should attend" due to its promotion of objectionable views.^[35] Such criticisms highlight concerns that AFPAC's emphasis on isolationist "America First" nationalism, often intertwined with Fuentes's history of antisemitic and racially charged commentary, risks alienating moderate voters and inviting media scrutiny that damages Republican branding.^[35]^[36] Establishment leaders argue that tolerating such associations legitimizes elements outside mainstream conservatism, potentially fracturing party unity and hindering wins in swing districts.^[36] This perspective gained traction after incidents like Fuentes's 2023 removal from CPAC, underscoring efforts to delineate boundaries between acceptable populism and perceived radicalism.^[38]

Accusations of Extremism and Responses

Critics, including organizations monitoring extremism such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), have labeled AFPAC a white supremacist gathering, citing founder Nick Fuentes' history of antisemitic statements, including Holocaust denial in December 2019 and praise for Adolf Hitler as "cool," alongside the conference's promotion of ethno-nationalist rhetoric focused on preserving white European identity amid immigration concerns.^[24]^[18] The ADL highlighted AFPAC III in February 2022, where speakers advocated restricting immigration to those of European descent and critiqued perceived Jewish influence in media and politics, interpreting these as efforts to normalize white nationalism within Republican circles.^[20] Mainstream media reports have echoed these charges, describing AFPAC as a hub for far-right extremists rivaling the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), with events in 2021 and 2022 featuring calls for a "tidal wave of white identity" and opposition to multiculturalism, which outlets like ABC News and The New York Times framed as advancing supremacist ideologies under the guise of patriotism.^[39]^[22] Attendance by Republican figures, such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar, drew particular scrutiny, with accusations that their participation lent legitimacy to antisemitic and racist undertones, prompting calls for censure from party leaders concerned about extremism post-January 6, 2021.^[15]^[40] Organizers and Fuentes have countered that AFPAC represents genuine nationalist conservatism prioritizing American sovereignty, border security, and resistance to globalist influences, dismissing "white supremacist" labels as hyperbolic smears deployed by establishment Republicans and left-leaning media to marginalize dissent from mainstream conservatism. Fuentes has positioned the conference as an alternative to CPAC's perceived compromises on immigration and foreign aid, emphasizing advocacy for white Americans' interests without advocating violence or superiority over other groups.^[41] Attending politicians like Greene have explicitly rejected endorsing white nationalism or antisemitism, stating in February 2022 that they oppose such views while defending their speeches as focused on policy critiques of open borders and elite corruption, and framing backlash as politically motivated attacks on America First priorities.^[42]^[22] Supporters argue that accusations conflate cultural preservation with extremism, pointing to the absence of calls for illegal actions at events and attributing heightened scrutiny to biases in outlets tracking "hate speech" broadly.^[18]

Influence and Legacy

Impact on Republican Politics

The attendance of prominent Republican elected officials at AFPAC events has signaled a degree of tolerance within segments of the party for nationalist critiques of establishment conservatism. In February 2022, speakers included U.S. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar, Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin, and Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers, who addressed the conference despite its organization by Nick Fuentes and associations with the Groyper movement.^[18] These appearances drew internal party criticism but did not result in formal censure, highlighting divisions between populist and traditionalist factions.^[43] AFPAC and the affiliated Groyper network have exerted influence by mobilizing online activists to challenge GOP figures perceived as insufficiently committed to "America First" priorities, such as strict immigration enforcement and opposition to foreign aid. The "Groyper Wars," involving disruptions at events hosted by groups like Turning Point USA, pressured candidates and organizations to adopt harder-line stances on issues like Ukraine aid and multiculturalism, contributing to a broader radicalization of the party's base toward isolationism and cultural conservatism.^[44] This dynamic has normalized associations with Fuentes' circle for some rising conservatives, as evidenced by reduced career repercussions for interactions, including Fuentes' 2022 dinner with Donald Trump.^[2] However, the impact remains contested, with mainstream GOP leaders issuing disavowals amid external pressure from media and advocacy groups. For instance, Vice President JD Vance publicly rejected Fuentes as a "total loser" in 2024, while Gosar distanced himself from Fuentes the following year.^[45] ^[46] AFPAC's role has thus amplified tensions, fostering a more combative intraparty environment that favors populist insurgents in primaries but risks alienating moderates and complicating coalition-building. Recent infiltration of Groyper-aligned individuals into state-level young Republican organizations, such as in Arizona, underscores ongoing efforts to shape grassroots infrastructure.^[47]

Mobilization of Young Conservatives

AFPAC has mobilized young conservatives by positioning itself as an alternative gathering for those seeking a more assertive nationalist agenda than offered by mainstream conservative events like CPAC. Launched in 2020 amid the "Groyper Wars"—disruptions of establishment conservative lectures by Fuentes' online followers—the conference quickly drew a youthful base disillusioned with perceived compromises on immigration, foreign policy, and cultural issues. Initial attendance at the inaugural event in Washington, D.C., on February 28, 2020, reached approximately 120 participants, many aligned with the Groyper movement's emphasis on online activism and direct confrontation of "conservative inc."^[6]^[39] Subsequent iterations demonstrated rapid growth in youth engagement, quadrupling to around 500 attendees at AFPAC II in Orlando, Florida, on February 26, 2021, and exceeding 1,000 at AFPAC III on February 25, 2022. Organizers highlighted Generation Z's role as a core constituency, framing the events as platforms to cultivate future leaders in the America First movement through speeches on topics like demographic change and opposition to globalism. This expansion correlated with Fuentes' streaming efforts, which leverage memes, live commentary, and social media to recruit digitally native young men, fostering a network of campus and local activists.^[6]^[20] The Groyper Army, predominantly young followers of Fuentes, has channeled AFPAC's momentum into broader mobilization, infiltrating youth-oriented Republican groups and pressuring politicians toward harder-line positions. By 2024 and into 2025, groypers reported presence in entities like Young Republicans chapters, influencing internal dynamics despite controversies over rhetoric. While mainstream outlets often portray this youth influx as extremist, the conferences' attendance surge and integration into GOP periphery underscore effective grassroots appeal among conservatives under 30 prioritizing national sovereignty over institutional loyalty.^[2]^[48]

Challenges and Future Prospects

AFPAC has encountered logistical hurdles in hosting events, primarily due to venue cancellations prompted by external pressures. The 2024 Detroit conference, scheduled for June, was abruptly halted as organizers prepared the stage, with Nick Fuentes attributing the disruption to interference from city officials and activist groups unwilling to accommodate the gathering.^[23] Similar issues have arisen in prior years, including hotel bookings near major conservative events like CPAC, where proximity fueled protests and heightened scrutiny.^[19] Deplatforming efforts against Fuentes and associated platforms have constrained AFPAC's digital amplification and fundraising. Bans from YouTube in 2020 and DLive in 2021 severed key revenue streams reliant on live streaming, forcing reliance on alternative sites like Rumble, which offer less reach.^[49] These restrictions, often justified by platforms citing violations of hate speech policies, limit attendance growth and visibility, though supporters have sustained operations through direct subscriptions generating approximately $50,000 annually from high-value patrons.^[49] Internal and external criticisms, including portrayals of AFPAC as unrepresentative of broader conservative constituencies, pose ideological challenges. Outlets like National Review have argued that the conference appeals to a marginal base rather than electorally viable voters, potentially alienating mainstream Republicans wary of Fuentes' provocative rhetoric on topics like immigration and nationalism.^[31] Associations with controversial figures, such as the 2022 dinner involving Donald Trump, Kanye West, and Fuentes, triggered widespread GOP denunciations and media backlash, underscoring risks of reputational isolation.^[50] Looking ahead, AFPAC's prospects hinge on deepening integration with Republican grassroots networks, where tolerance for its nationalist messaging has increased. By mid-2024, figures like youth chairs from county GOP chapters and members of the New York Young Republican Club attended AFPAC-related rallies without career repercussions, signaling reduced pariah status among younger conservatives.^[2] Overlaps with organizations like Turning Point USA, evident in shared attendees at events, suggest potential for mobilizing disaffected youth amid broader America First sentiment in the post-2024 election landscape.^[2] Fuentes has outlined a strategy emphasizing covert expansion over public spectacles, aiming to cultivate an "elite" cadre of 1,000 to 5,000 high-caliber recruits through campus groups and private networks, framed as a "tech startup" model for political infiltration.^[49] This approach could mitigate deplatforming vulnerabilities by prioritizing offline organization, potentially amplifying influence if demographic shifts favor white nationalist-leaning voters, though sustained mainstream GOP embrace remains contingent on navigating ongoing extremism accusations.^[49]

References

[1]
America First Foundation
Spearheaded by our Founder, Nicholas J. Fuentes, the America First movement is an amalgamation of traditional values, Trumpian populism, and American ...Store · About · News · Events
[2]
Nick Fuentes's Groypers No Longer Pariahs Among Mainstream ...
Jul 18, 2024 · For a time, associating with Nick Fuentes was enough to tank a career in GOP politics. Now, it hardly seems to matter.
[3]
Marjorie Taylor Greene downplays speaking at a conference ...
Feb 28, 2022 · Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia on Sunday downplayed her attendance and speaking slot at a fringe right-wing conference with ties to white ...
[4]
Arpaio Draws Cheers At Far-Right Conference For Saying He's ...
Mar 1, 2022 · Arpaio drew resounding cheers at Nick Fuentes' white nationalist ... Fuentes founded AFPAC as a rival of the less extreme Conservative ...
[5]
Marjorie Taylor Greene denies she is friends with white nationalist
Feb 26, 2022 · Nick Fuentes, (above) founded AFPAC in 2020 to rival CPAC. Fuentes has. +8. View gallery. Nick Fuentes, (above) founded AFPAC in 2020 to rival ...
[6]
Events - America First Foundation
The America First Political Action Conference is the annual assembly of the best that the true American Right has to offer.Missing: date | Show results with:date
[7]
The Catastrophe of a Second Trump Presidency | The Nation
Dec 8, 2023 · Perhaps this country's best-known white nationalist (and former Trump dinner guest) Nick Fuentes is the founder and president of the America ...
[8]
CBS Robert Costa (radical leftist), keeps calling AFPAC a white ...
Cpac kicked out Nick Fuentes from cpac, so he created AFPac. Nick Fuentes has a podcast named America First and his followers call themselves groypers.<|separator|>
[9]
About America First Foundation
The America First Foundation is an organization dedicated to crafting a new vision of the American nation. We champion the role of God in society.
[10]
Nick Fuentes Holds Racist Conference Across From CPAC
Mar 4, 2023 · White nationalist Nick Fuentes booked a hotel across the street from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the National Harbor for a racist, ...
[11]
Advance of the Groypers: Inside AFPAC II
Mar 10, 2021 · Chuck Tanner is an Advisory Board member and researcher for the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights. He lives in Washington ...
[12]
Nick Fuentes - Wikipedia
Nick Fuentes. Article · Talk. Language; Loading… Download PDF; Watch · View ... Fuentes began holding the annual America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) ...America First Political Action... · Nicolás Fuentes · Groypers · Integralism
[13]
Hilton Orlando hosted secret AFPAC conference, where organizers ...
Mar 1, 2021 · A secret gathering of far-right activists whose organizer spouted white nationalist rhetoric and defended the U.S. Capitol riot was held ...
[14]
[PDF] SP LC 8 Southern Poverty Law Center - GovInfo
Apr 7, 2022 · 14 She spoke at Fuentes' inaugural America First. Political Action Conference (AFPAC), alongside white nationalists Scott Greer and Patrick.
[15]
GOP congressman headlines conference where organizers push ...
Feb 27, 2021 · GOP Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona was the surprise keynote speaker at a conference Friday night in Orlando, Florida, where speakers spread white nationalist ...
[16]
Extremist social media influencers to gather offline for first time since ...
Feb 26, 2021 · Far-right America First organizers are leveraging social media followings and propaganda to draw supporters to Florida conference.Missing: Nick | Show results with:Nick
[17]
https://youtu.be/2El1NWjM8pY
[18]
AFPAC III: Elected Officials Support White Supremacist Event - ADL
Feb 26, 2022 · Four of the speakers – Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin, Rep. Paul Gosar, and Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers – are elected officials.
[19]
White Nationalists Raid CPAC But Find Themselves Right at Home
Feb 26, 2022 · The bigoted Groyper-backed America First Political Action Conference aimed to upstage CPAC. They succeeded instead in blurring the lines.
[20]
AFPAC III: The Groyper Army Seeks to Normalize White Nationalism
Feb 25, 2022 · Nicholas Fuentes, a well-known white supremacist pundit and organizer, will host his third annual America First Political Action Conference ( ...<|separator|>
[21]
Wendy Rogers, Kari Lake and Joe Arpaio are listed as speakers at ...
Feb 18, 2022 · Arizona Republican politicians, including a sitting state senator, are scheduled to speak at a white nationalist conference in Florida next ...Missing: attendees | Show results with:attendees
[22]
G.O.P. Lawmakers' Appearance at White Nationalist Conference ...
Feb 28, 2022 · Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia spoke at the America First Political Action Conference, which was organized by a prominent ...
[23]
America First conference in Detroit is canceled amid dispute
Jun 15, 2024 · Nicholas Fuentes of the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) said Saturday on social media that the group was setting up the stage ...
[24]
Nicholas J. Fuentes: Five Things to Know - ADL
Aug 7, 2021 · ... America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC), rallies, film screenings, and reports. Fuentes's AFPAC is a political gathering for the ...
[25]
Nick Fuentes endorses Trump's global tariffs: "This is the America ...
Apr 3, 2025 · It's not free market, it's not liberal ... It's nationalist”. Fuentes: “Excellent policy, Mr. President. We need more of this. Less policing ...
[26]
Fuentes Delivers Antisemitic, “Christian Nationalist” Rant to Fellow ...
Mar 7, 2023 · Fuentes, who kicked off his rant by announcing, “I love you, and I love Hitler,” also targeted “Talmudic Jews,” a white supremacist and antisemitic term for ...
[27]
AFPAC speech: The Charge of the America First Brigade
Feb 28, 2020 · Have I proved my bonafides?), I rise tonight in defiant opposition to Conservatism Inc. and in unwavering support of America First. Of ...
[28]
Michelle Malkin Announces 'America First' Event — Says AFPAC ...
Jan 31, 2020 · As such, we've decided to host our own event, where real issues can be discussed, free from the Orwellian censorship of Conservatism Inc.” broke ...
[29]
From Alt-Right To Groyper
... Conservatism Inc. has brainwashed many students into believing that ... Nick Fuentes on Fascism. Finally, and not the least disconcerting, Nick Fuentes ...
[30]
[PDF] Congressional Testimony Nicholas Fuentes, the Groypers ... - GovInfo
Jan 6, 2021 · Since 1913, the mission of ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) has been to "stop the defamation of the. Jewish people and to secure justice and ...
[31]
Nick Fuentes and AFPAC Do Not Represent a Real Constituency
Mar 1, 2022 · It's unsurprisingly true that elements of the right, unhappy at Conservatism, Inc's failure to stem the tide of cultural Marxism over the ...
[32]
The Groypers Are Asking the Wrong Questions - Intellectual Takeout
Dec 5, 2019 · ... Nick Fuentes has only been able to reach about 50,000 viewers with ... Conservatism Inc. and LGBT advocates won't endear Groypers to ...
[33]
Groypers - ISD
The Groyper movement is a loose network of white nationalist activists and internet trolls who gravitate around several key online influencers.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary
[34]
https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/pro-trump-white-nationalist-group-facing-key-desertions
[35]
GOP leaders denounce Greene, Gosar for speaking at white ...
Feb 28, 2022 · Top Republicans in the House and the Senate rebuked the two lawmakers for addressing the America First Political Action Conference over the weekend.
[36]
Greene and Gosar increasingly isolated in Hill GOP after ... - Politico
Feb 28, 2022 · and Greene (R-Ga.) spoke at the extremist-backed America First Political Action Conference. It's the most serious signs of isolation yet for the ...
[37]
Mitt Romney: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Paul Gosar Are 'Missing IQ ...
Feb 27, 2022 · Mitt Romney and Liz Cheney criticized their fellow Republicans for speaking at America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC).
[38]
White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of ...
Mar 3, 2023 · In 2022, Fuentes held a competing conference (the America First Political Action Conference) at the same time as CPAC in Orlando. GOP Rep ...
[39]
How the far-right group behind AFPAC is using Twitter to grow its ...
Mar 12, 2021 · Nicholas Fuentes, a far-right online streamer who founded the America First Political ... AFPAC conference by telling the crowd he denounces " ...
[40]
GOP grapples with extremist episodes among its own - POLITICO
Mar 4, 2021 · Some fear that if the conference doesn't stomp out those political brush fires now, there's a risk they will spread.
[41]
Nick Fuentes - Southern Poverty Law Center
Nick Fuentes is a white nationalist livestreamer who advocates pulling the Republican Party further to the extreme far-right end of the political spectrum.
[42]
Calls to expel Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene after speech at ...
Feb 26, 2022 · Republican leaders are facing fresh demands to expel the Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, after she spoke at a conference of white nationalists.Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms<|separator|>
[43]
Pressed for answers on two radical GOP members, McCarthy hedges
Mar 2, 2022 · What is Kevin McCarthy prepared to do about Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar. He apparently doesn't want to talk about it.
[44]
The White Nationalist Fringe Just Took a Giant Step Closer to the ...
Mar 31, 2022 · As Fuentes' groyper movement hastens the radicalization of the GOP, the GOP helps further normalize white nationalism, which may well have a seat at the table ...
[45]
JD Vance says he 'disavows' Nick Fuentes: 'A total loser' - The Hill
Aug 11, 2024 · Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (Ohio) said he “disavows” far-right white supremacist Nick Fuentes, who criticized ...<|separator|>
[46]
Paul Gosar Turns on Nick Fuentes Over 'White Nationalist' Event ...
Apr 2, 2022 · "I've given up on dealing with Nick. Nick's got a problem with his mouth," the Arizona congressman said.
[47]
Arizona Young Republican leaders resist calls to resign over racist ...
Oct 15, 2025 · Arizona Young Republicans racist chat resign demands rejected as leaders with white nationalist ties resist calls.
[48]
Nick Fuentes says: 'There's groypers in every department'
Oct 16, 2025 · Fuentes's comments came after it was revealed that members of the Young Republicans were praising Hitler and threatening to torture ...
[49]
Nick Fuentes' Plan to Conquer America - WIRED
Sep 23, 2025 · For years, influencer Nick Fuentes was too extreme even for MAGA. Now he's working his way into the mainstream—and has a plan for his secret ...
[50]
https://www.npr.org/2022/11/29/1139742844/republicans-denounce-trump-dinner-white-supremacist-nick-fuentes/