Turning Point USA is holding its 2025 Student Action Summit at Tampa Convention Center, drawing high school and college students from around the nation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke about results from DOGE at the Department of Defense.
“We’ve uncovered tens of billions in savings by removing certain contracts and green initiatives, redirecting funds to support President Trump’s priorities,” stated Hegseth.
Hegseth also promised to help ICE agents who are facing pushback in communities during arrests.
“If they’re being attacked, their partners at the defense department are proud to stand alongside them to secure them,” Hegseth said.
Southwest Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, who President Trump has endorsed for governor, urged students to stay engaged.
“Political activism is critical for the future. I get it. We are riding high. Donald Trump is on a win streak,” Donalds said.
Donalds was also critical of New York City’s democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani.
“I have a responsibility to prepare my state for a lot more New Yorkers,” Donalds said.
Donald Trump Junior and conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson were also featured as speakers.
Victor DiMaio, head of the Hillsborough Democratic Caucus, believes some viewpoints and speakers lean excessively right. He thinks this might ultimately benefit the Democratic Party by garnering backing from young independent voters.
“Florida has a lot of huge independent voters,” DiMaio said. “Those people can be swayed. They make up almost a third of the voting populous.”
Protestors planned to meet Saturday afternoon at Tampa City Hall in opposition to the Trump agenda and the Student Action Summit.
