On Friday, November 15, UChicago College Republicans and The Chicago Thinker held a joint press conference to discuss their organizations’ current status and future direction. Christopher Phillips and Tyler Shasteen spoke at the conference. The event, held on the university’s main quadrangle, yielded an attendance of approximately 25-30 people.
Representing the College Republicans, Phillips emphasized the significance of Donald Trump’s election victory as a precursor to American success, prosperity, and innovation. He explained that the club will meet during its Institute of Politics slot every Thursday at 7:30 for the remainder of the quarter and encouraged prospective attendees to send an email of interest to him at chrisp2003@uchicago.edu. Phillips noted increasing attendance in past weekly meetings, toting that the College Republicans are a unique bastion of productive discourse within the confines of broader ideological consistency. In addition to noting the recent Trump victory, Phillips prided the University on its ability to offer free speech in light of recent events such as the unlawful Gaza encampments across campuses.
As editor-in-chief of the Chicago Thinker, Phillips also outlined plans for the paper, expressing optimism about hosting future events and the debut of a physical edition in the coming weeks. Phillips highlighted the contrast between the Chicago Thinker and the Chicago Maroon— criticizing the opposing paper for its top-down enforcement of liberal pedagogy. Later in his speech, Phillips teased that a new podcast for the paper may be in the works along with a new emphasis on visual media, primarily through Instagram Reels and videos uploaded to X. Phillips finished his remarks by unveiling the upcoming American Identity Summit. The summit will have speakers from various backgrounds offering their views on the American identity and discussing the importance of American virtues.
Afterward, speaking for the UChicago chapter of Turning Point USA, Shasteen noted the increase in support for Donald Trump in the 5th Ward, which includes the University and nearby neighborhoods. In his speech, Shasteen promoted a club luncheon in Ida Noyes Hall on November 16th. This event welcomed Chicago Republican Party Chairman Chuck Hernandez and other local leaders.
During the Q&A session, journalists from The Gate and the Chicago Maroon questioned Phillips on his stance regarding free speech in light of his critiques of other campus publications. Phillips contended that the Thinker challenges liberal orthodoxy on campus, while the Maroon rarely exercises ideological idiosyncrasies and inhibits its writers from challenging dominant orthodoxy.
A Maroon journalist then inquired about the Thinker’s recent leadership transition. In response, Phillips clarified his commitment to the paper’s mission of bold and fearless news reporting with unparalleled conservative commentary, which enabled his appointment to editor-in-chief. Phillips promised that articles from the Chicago Thinker would resume that weekend.