Matt Shaw to Speak at America Fest in Phoenix

Chicago Cubs outfielder Matt Shaw is set to speak at Turning Point USA’s America Fest in Phoenix next weekend.

Shaw recently attended the controversial funeral of Charlie Kirk, who had left the team during the postseason. After Kirk was assassinated, Shaw was removed from the Cubs’ lineup on September 10.

In light of Shaw’s upcoming appearance, Chicago radio host Dan Bernstein urged him to “make it his own” and to embrace his choices. However, Bernstein also expressed his distaste for any superficial narratives about friendship or faith being used to justify Shaw’s presence at the event.

“Matt Shaw has something to say,” Bernstein commented on his podcast. He insisted that he didn’t want to hear any excuses, calling for Shaw to own his decisions without trying to spin the situation. Bernstein expressed that if Shaw chooses to associate with certain groups, he should do so with pride, without pretending it’s anything less than that.

Shaw and Kirk were once neighbors and had developed a friendship. Defending his attendance at Kirk’s funeral, Shaw remarked, “The connection between Charlie and I was through our faith. That drives me every day.” He added that he feels blessed for the opportunities he’s had and is prepared for any backlash regarding his beliefs.

The event will also feature several other speakers, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Jesse Watters, Greg Gutfeld, and Donald Trump Jr. among others.