GRAPEVINE, Texas — The Conservative Political Action Conference kicks off Wednesday near Dallas at a challenging time for the Republican Party, as conservatives wrestle with sharp disagreements over President Trump’s military engagement in Iran.
Though Trump retains strong backing from conservative voters, the Iranian conflict creates complications for supporters who were drawn to his original “America First” promise to avoid overseas military entanglements. This tension is expected to surface throughout the four-day event at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, where thousands of activists, media personalities, and GOP legislators will convene.
The atmosphere differs markedly from last year’s triumphant conference, when a newly inaugurated Trump promised to “forge a new and lasting political majority” while Elon Musk dramatically brandished a chainsaw to represent the administration’s government cuts.
Neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance has been confirmed as a speaker this year, though several prominent MAGA figures with conflicting positions on Iran are scheduled to address attendees.
“This is obviously going to be a hot topic,” said John Gizzi, a longtime CPAC attendee and Newsmax columnist, referencing concerns about expanded American military involvement for an indefinite period.
Trump confidant Steve Bannon, among the featured speakers, warned on his War Room podcast this month that a prolonged conflict could damage Republican prospects before the midterm elections.
“We are going to bleed support,” Bannon stated.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who backs the military action, is also scheduled to speak at the conference.
“I think President Trump was exactly right to act to protect Americans,” Cruz told CBS News in a recent interview.
Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz’s appearance highlights the fractures within conservative ranks regarding America’s military partnership with Israel against Iran.
Gaetz, who hosts a program on One America News Network, has criticized what he views as excessive closeness between the U.S. and Israel. His stance aligns with conservative voices like Tucker Carlson who have questioned the traditional Republican-Israel relationship, drawing accusations of antisemitism from pro-Israel GOP organizations.
Additional speakers include border security chief Tom Homan and former Republican National Committee head Michael Whatley, who is seeking a Senate seat in North Carolina.
Trump finds himself in a vastly different position than during last year’s celebratory gathering following his return to the presidency.
With ongoing military operations and persistent concerns about employment and living costs, his approval ratings have declined. His primary domestic initiative to strengthen election laws before November’s midterms has stagnated despite Republican control of Congress, while the party’s House majority faces threats and Senate control appears less secure.
Nevertheless, Trump maintains solid support among conservative voters. A February AP-NORC survey showed 86 percent of conservatives approve of his presidential performance.
While Trump’s base remains loyal, some in conservative circles worry that Iranian war divisions could harm Republican electoral chances in November.
Texas Representative Steve Toth, planning to attend CPAC, believes Trump’s conservative support stays strong but suggests the party could improve its war messaging.
“From MAGA people, for the most part, I don’t hear frustration with the president,” said Toth, who defeated incumbent Republican Dan Crenshaw in Texas’s March 3 primary. “I don’t know that we’re doing a great job at communicating the full ramifications.”
Texas’s unsettled Senate primary race provides another reminder of this year’s changed dynamics, creating particular political difficulties for Trump.
State Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging four-term Republican Senator John Cornyn, not only plans to attend but will deliver Friday evening’s prestigious Ronald Reagan Dinner address. Cornyn will skip the Texas gathering.
Three weeks ago, Trump promised to announce his endorsement soon after Paxton trailed Cornyn slightly in the March 3 primary, though neither candidate secured enough votes to prevent a May 26 runoff.
Trump urged the non-endorsed candidate to withdraw, posting on social media that the contentious race “cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer.”
Last week’s deadline for removing names from the May 26 runoff ballot passed as both Paxton and Cornyn intensified their attack advertisements against each other.
