CINCINNATI — Nearly 1,000 youth activists inspired by the Ron Paul revolution convened at the Young Americans for Liberty national convention (YALCON) to outline strategies for advancing America First constitutionalism ahead of the 2028 midterms and beyond. The gathering’s message was unambiguous: mass deportations, an end to military conflicts, sound money policies, and sharply limited government were nonnegotiable priorities for this generation.
The John Birch Society and The New American documented the event, interviewing officials and speakers while promoting Americanism, liberty, and constitutional restoration through education and organized action. Attendees cited the organizations as critical resources—some calling the John Birch Society “exactly what we need today,” with one youth remarking that their representatives were “super based” in their commitment to courageous principles.
Keynote speaker Vivek Ramaswamy faced immediate backlash after arriving thirty minutes late and being nearly booed off stage before delivering his speech. Hundreds of attendees, predominantly 18-24-year-old males, shouted questions directly at him: “You think Americans are dumb?” “What about AIPAC?” “We want jobs,” and “Why can’t we afford a home?” Ramaswamy’s response—declaring “my generation has already made it” and that “your generation will pay the price”—was widely condemned as tone-deaf, offering no concrete solutions for Gen Z beyond urging them to vote for him.
The youth crowd cut his remarks short with boos as he departed abruptly. Meanwhile, Senator Rand Paul received a hero’s welcome after detailing his recent congressional hearing on Dr. Anthony Fauci’s pandemic handling, stating the senator would soon vote to hold Fauci in contempt for “lying to the American public.” Congressman Thomas Massie was equally embraced, with attendees sporting “Massie 2028” hats and chanting for his leadership as a rare example of integrity within the GOP.
Gen Z attendees framed their demands clearly: they reject neoconservative rhetoric, prioritize constitutional principles over partisan posturing, and demand electoral accountability from leaders who claim to champion liberty without action. For now, their focus remains fixed on reshaping the Republican Party’s direction—before democratic socialism takes hold.
