Target Employee Jeanie Beeman Celebrated at AmericaFest 2025

Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee who recently faced harassment for wearing a shirt supporting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, received a standing ovation from tens of thousands of attendees at the 2025 AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The event took place on Saturday, marking a significant moment for Beeman, who was welcomed to the stage by prominent figures from the organization, including Jack Posobiec and Benny Johnson.

As Beeman addressed the enthusiastic crowd, she expressed the importance of Kirk’s message to her. “It meant that I can stand for freedom. I did, in a way. I stand for my rights, and that’s why I watched him,” she stated. Her heartfelt comments resonated with the audience, further amplifying the support she received during the event.

Beeman’s journey to the stage followed a troubling incident that gained widespread attention. A video surfaced showing a woman identified as Michelea Ponce, an employee of Enloe Health in Chico, California, confronting Beeman about her shirt while she was on duty at Target. Ponce hurled insults and threatened to escalate the situation to a store manager. Despite the verbal attack, Beeman maintained her composure, responding politely and wishing Ponce a good day before walking away.

The video quickly went viral, prompting significant backlash against Ponce and sparking support for Beeman. In light of the incident, a fundraiser was initiated on GiveSendGo to help Beeman take a well-deserved vacation. The campaign has garnered remarkable support, raising $273,575 as of Saturday evening, with an updated goal of $300,000. The fundraiser’s description highlights the desire to provide Beeman with a break from recent events, stating, “Maybe we can give her a vacation and retirement!”

The 2025 AmericaFest conference marks a poignant occasion for Turning Point USA as it is the organization’s first gathering since the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. The event has drawn over 30,000 attendees, many of whom are first-time visitors, making it the largest AmericaFest in the organization’s history.

Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s wife, also expressed her appreciation for Beeman’s courage. In a social media post, she shared a touching moment with Beeman backstage, stating, “Thank you for being a part of my Charlie’s legacy. I love your courage. God bless you.” This sentiment reflects the strong community support that Beeman has received since her initial confrontation.

The attention surrounding Beeman’s experience highlights ongoing dialogues about freedom of expression and the challenges individuals may face in expressing their beliefs. As she continues to receive recognition and support, her story stands as a testament to the impact of community solidarity in the face of adversity.