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Updates from the Turning Point USA rally in Phoenix featuring President Trump

Man in dark suit and purple tie speaks at presidential podium
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
President Donald Trump at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
President Donald Trump showered praise on several Arizona candidates he’d already endorsed at a campaign event in Phoenix on Friday and gave shoutouts to several candidates for the first time.

President Donald Trump spoke to the crowd in Phoenix on Friday for Turning Point USA's “Build the Red Wall” rally.

The rally took place at Dream City Church in Phoenix. Trump appeared with Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and all but one of Arizona’s Republican congressmen. Rep. David Schweikert was noticeably absent from the speaker list.

The event appears to be part of a larger effort by the conservative organization to collect voter data ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Entrance to the event was available on a first come, first serve basis, but all attendees had to check their voter registration status to be eligible to enter.

President Donald Trump speaks to crowd

President Donald Trump took the stage in front of the crowd at Dream City Church on Friday.

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk spoke before him.

Woman in light blue top and blonde hair speaks at podium
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk speaks at the “Build the Red Wall” rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Speakers take the stage

Among a long slate of speakers were Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs, Abe Hamadeh and Eli Crane.

Man walks on to stage that reads Congressman Andy Biggs with an American flag behind pyrotechnics
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs takes the stage at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Man in black suit and dark hairs stands on stage with Turning Point logos and speaks
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Congressman Abe Hamadeh speaks at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Man in dark suit speaks at glass podium in front of Turning Point logos
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Arizona Congressman Eli Crane speaks at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Republican congressman arrive at rally

Arizona Republican Congressmen Andy Biggs, Juan Ciscomani and Paul Gosar arrived at the rally on Friday morning.

Man with light hair and beard in suit stands outside
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Man in suit and dark hair smiles into camera
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs at the Turning Point USA rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Outside the venue

Protesters were stationed outside Dream City Church as rally attendees arrived, along with tables selling a variety of merchandise.

T-shirts and hats supporting Trump, ICE and Alligator Alcatraz sit on a table
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Turning Point USA holds its "Build the Red Wall" rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Person with head covered holds sign that reads Trump/adj - a genocidal murderer who rapes children
Tim Agne
/
KJZZ
Turning Point USA holds its "Build the Red Wall" rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix on Friday, April 17, 2026.
More Arizona politics news

Camryn Sanchez is a senior field correspondent at KJZZ covering everything to do with Arizona politics.
Wayne Schutsky is a senior field correspondent covering Arizona politics on KJZZ. He has over a decade of experience as a journalist reporting on local communities in Arizona and the state Capitol.