Republicans gathered in Dallas for the final day of CPAC, the annual conservative conference that has become a showcase for MAGA figures. The program largely celebrated President Trump’s agenda, but Trump himself was notably absent for the first time in a decade — a silence that came as his second term confronts growing tensions, particularly over U.S. strikes on Iran now a month old.
The Iran strikes loomed over discussions. While national polls show broad public skepticism about the war, CPAC remained largely a pro-Trump event. Attendees voiced confidence in Trump’s approach: Jeff Hadley, who drove from Raleigh, N.C., said many prefer Trump’s decisive posture over career politicians who stay strictly within party lines.
A Pew Research Center survey found roughly eight in 10 Republicans approve of how Trump has handled the conflict, but support is thinner among younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents — constituencies Trump expanded in 2024. Thirty-year-old veteran Joseph Bolick of Tyler, Texas, said he felt betrayed by Trump’s “no new wars” promise and has withdrawn his support, arguing the country should prioritize domestic needs.
A few speakers voiced opposition to deeper military involvement. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz warned a ground invasion of Iran would harm the economy and national security, predicting higher gas and food prices and the potential to create more enemies than it defeats.
Midterm strategy and candidate outreach were less prominent than in past years. CPAC has traditionally served as a networking hub for GOP campaigns, but this year only a handful of Senate and House hopefuls took the stage. Michael Whatley, running for Senate in North Carolina and a former RNC chair, told the crowd the midterms are critical to protecting Trump’s agenda and argued Republicans must secure a governing majority that enables a full four-year term, not a limited mandate.
The roster of speakers skewed younger and less familiar. Several high-profile conservatives were absent, including Vice President JD Vance and media figures Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly. Steve Bannon appeared, but organizers also highlighted new influencers and international allies. The final speaking slot went to 23-year-old content creator Nick Shirley, who rose to attention with viral accusations about Minneapolis daycare centers. Former British prime minister Liz Truss and Eduardo Bolsonaro represented CPAC’s push to export MAGA-style conservatism abroad.
Despite the different lineup, programming centered on Trump’s policy priorities, cultural battles, and immigration. CPAC chair Matt Schlapp moderated a session called “Can’t We All Just Get Along,” urging conservatives to accept internal differences rather than demand uniformity, and noting the coalition’s cohesion owes much to those who embraced Trump and Trumpism.
As 2028 approaches, Trump’s absence at CPAC highlighted an open question for the GOP: he remains the figure who most reliably draws the movement together, and when he is not physically present, it is unclear who can fill that unifying role.