Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has become embroiled in a dispute with Baylor University in Waco, Texas, after accusing the institution of barring the general public and media from attending its latest event. The controversy erupted over the "This is the Turning Point Tour" stop on Wednesday, which featured President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and podcaster Benny Johnson. The event proceeded at Baylor's Waco Hall, but not without a clash over access for non-students.
TPUSA's accusations
TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet expressed outrage on social media, stating that the university restricted entry for all non-students, forcing the organization to turn away 4,500 ticket holders. Kolvet also criticized Baylor for approving an LGBTQ counter-programming event after complaints from progressive students. The Baylor Lariat, the campus newspaper, reported that press access was denied, a decision taken "in the best interest of our students."
A TPUSA representative told Breitbart News that the event was originally intended to be open to both students and the local Waco community. They noted that in a tight-knit community like Waco, where the university is central, it would be unusual not to include the public. The representative expressed disappointment for the 4,500 ticket holders who could not attend but emphasized that the speakers would focus on the students.
Baylor's response
Sharra Hynes, Baylor University Vice President for Student Life, rejected TPUSA's version of events. She stated that the university clearly communicated from the beginning that the event would be limited to students, faculty, and staff, with an additional 125 invited guests from the organizing groups. The Independent has sought further comment from both parties.
The event, originally scheduled to feature Donald Trump Jr. before a scheduling conflict led to Paxton's replacement, ultimately went ahead with over 400 attendees, according to KWTX. Paxton and Johnson used their stage time to honor Charlie Kirk, TPUSA's co-founder, who was shot dead by a sniper on a Utah university campus last fall. Paxton praised Kirk's willingness to take risks, while Johnson highlighted Kirk's goal of unity and his influence on young men's religiosity.
Homan's remarks
Homan focused on the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, warning of the threat from Mexican drug cartels. He accused the media of trying to vilify ICE, proclaimed that "walls save lives," and expressed concern about the "2 million known got-aways" still at large in the U.S. He reassured the audience of the dedication of border patrol agents and dismissed concerns about being labeled a racist, stating, "I don't give a s*** what people think of me… If you let them affect you like that, they win."
Baylor senior David Lugo commented after the event, noting that regardless of political affiliation, having someone like Homan in charge of border security is beneficial for all Americans, whether they agree with him or not.
