The atmosphere is electric as the temperature soars outside the Tampa Convention Center, where a unique spectacle unfolds. A young man clad in a dinosaur costume passionately debates immigration issues with another attendee dressed sharply in a suit. Nearby, a small group of protesters stands against a backdrop of right-wing influencers capturing the moment on camera, highlighting the stark contrasts present at this event.
Inside, the energy is palpable. Political strategist Steve Bannon takes the stage, labeling billionaire Elon Musk as ‘evil’ during a live broadcast, while the crowd erupts in cheers as border czar Tom Homan threatens to confront a heckler. The excitement peaks when a popular YouTuber leads the audience in a lively ‘Trump dance party’ to the classic tune of YMCA.
Welcome to the Student Action Summit 2025, a three-day event organized by a prominent youth activist group. This annual conference serves as a key platform for conservative college students to engage in discussions, network, and hear from influential Republican figures, including Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. The event, which took place from July 11 to 13, attracted over 5,000 attendees eager to explore the pressing issues facing young conservatives today.
As the countdown clock ticks down, a DJ energizes the crowd with upbeat tracks, including Rednex’s Cotton Eye Joe. The lineup of speakers is diverse, featuring not only political heavyweights but also unexpected guests like actor Rob Schneider and fitness expert Jillian Michaels, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere throughout the summit.
Charlie Kirk, a key figure behind the event, is omnipresent, often appearing in multiple sessions simultaneously. He opens the summit by addressing topics that resonate with Republicans of all ages, such as faith and immigration. Kirk commends the audience for their role in revitalizing church attendance and for their efforts to combat what he describes as a ‘spiritual crisis’ in the West. The crowd frequently interrupts his speeches with enthusiastic chants, reinforcing their shared beliefs.
Immigration remains a hot topic, with Kirk asserting that no foreigner should have access to jobs or housing before American citizens. Homan, the former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, receives rock star treatment as he rallies the crowd with phrases like ‘send them home,’ which are met with enthusiastic cheers.
Abortion is another significant issue discussed at the summit. Activist Riley Gaines, who gained attention for her stance on transgender athletes, praises Trump as the most pro-life president in recent history. This sentiment is echoed in various interviews conducted during the event, particularly among young male attendees.
Many speakers emphasize the importance of family and traditional values. Political commentator Michael Knowles highlights declining birth rates as a critical issue, celebrating the ‘trad wife’ trend on social media and encouraging young women to embrace motherhood over corporate careers. The audience responds enthusiastically to stories of large families, with one attendee proudly sharing that he has 12 children.
Kirk also addresses the perceived threats to American society, arguing that low birth rates pose a greater danger than racism or environmentalism. He encourages attendees to seek potential partners at the summit, suggesting that many eligible singles are present.
Conservative views on dating and relationships are prevalent, with speakers like Brandon Tatum advising against casual hookups and Brett Cooper cautioning against excessive partying. Comedian Russell Brand, despite his controversial past, advocates for family values and denounces pornography, sharing his personal journey of redemption.
Source: Patrick Jack
As attendees explore the exhibition floor, they can engage with various activities, from taking selfies with political figures to participating in contests. Vendors offer a range of merchandise, from ‘Make Coffee Great Again’ products to ‘Trump 2028′ hats, catering to the attendees’ patriotic spirit.
Among the exhibitors, a stall promoting ‘Blexit’ aims to empower students at historically black colleges and universities, advocating for traditional American values within urban communities. The presence of families and retirees at the event adds a unique dynamic, with older attendees expressing hope that the younger generation will prevent Democrats from regaining power.
However, a generational divide is evident, particularly regarding issues like gun ownership and support for Israel. While gun rights are a traditional cornerstone of conservative identity, some younger attendees express concern about their peers’ lack of interest in the Second Amendment. Similarly, discussions about Israel reveal differing opinions, with some students questioning the U.S.-Israel alliance.
The shadow of Jeffrey Epstein looms over the convention, as discussions about his connections to powerful figures spark interest among attendees. The event occurs amidst ongoing debates about Epstein’s alleged client list, with many expressing skepticism about the mainstream narrative.
COVID-19 remains a contentious topic, with Bannon claiming the pandemic was a bioweapon and attendees voicing their frustrations over lockdowns and mandates. Many young conservatives feel that their experiences during the pandemic have pushed them further right, as they perceive a lack of transparency from the government.
Interestingly, higher education itself is rarely discussed at the summit, despite its relevance to many attendees. Delegates express disdain for universities, criticizing their perceived leftist bias and calling for a return to traditional educational values. Some attendees advocate for conservative Christian education as a solution to what they see as the failures of the current system.
Throughout the event, speakers frequently target ‘woke’ culture, using derogatory language to describe those who oppose their views. This rhetoric reflects a broader trend within the conservative movement, as attendees rally around shared beliefs and experiences.
Outside the convention center, a small group of protesters voices their dissent, highlighting the ongoing cultural battles that define this moment in American politics. Inside, however, the atmosphere is one of solidarity, as attendees embrace their identities as conservative students navigating a challenging landscape.
As the summit concludes, many attendees leave with a sense of purpose and community, eager to continue their activism and influence the future of American politics. The event serves as a reminder of the growing presence of young conservatives and their determination to shape the narrative in a rapidly changing world.