GRAPEVINE, Texas — The nation’s conservative movement kicks off one of its biggest yearly conferences Wednesday amid challenging times for President Donald Trump and sharp disagreements within Republican ranks about his military engagement in Iran.
Though Trump retains strong backing from conservative voters, the Iranian conflict presents significant challenges for supporters who rallied behind his “America First” promises to avoid foreign military entanglements. Recent polling from AP-NORC reveals approximately 59% of Americans believe the Iranian military operation goes too far. This disagreement will simmer beneath the surface — and likely emerge in public discussions — as thousands of political activists, social media influencers and GOP legislators convene for the Conservative Political Action Conference beginning Wednesday near Dallas.
The conference also follows Tuesday’s Democratic victory in a Florida state legislative race in the district containing Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence.
This year’s atmosphere differs dramatically from last year’s triumphant gathering, when Trump had just resumed the presidency and promised to “forge a new and lasting political majority” while Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw to represent the Republican administration’s cuts to government jobs and regulations.
Neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance appears on this year’s announced speaker list. However, prominent MAGA movement figures who hold opposing positions on the Iran conflict are scheduled to address attendees.
“This is obviously going to be a hot topic,” explained John Gizzi, a longtime CPAC attendee and Newsmax columnist, highlighting concerns about expanded U.S. military involvement for an undetermined duration.
Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump supporter, headlines the four-day conference schedule. During his “War Room” podcast earlier this month, Bannon warned that if the conflict becomes “a hard slog,” Republicans could lose conservative voters before the midterm elections.
“We are going to bleed support,” Bannon predicted.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who backs the military action, also appears on the program at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
“I think President Trump was exactly right to act to protect Americans,” Cruz stated during a recent CBS News appearance.
Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz’s speaking appearance highlights disagreements among some conservatives regarding the U.S. military partnership with Israel against Iran.
Gaetz, who hosts a program on One America News Network, has criticized America’s close relationship with Israel, joining conservative voices like Tucker Carlson in questioning the traditional conservative alliance with that nation. This stance has drawn accusations of antisemitism from GOP organizations, including pro-Israel Republican groups.
Additional speakers include Trump’s border enforcement leader Tom Homan and former Republican National Committee head Michael Whatley, who seeks a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina.
Twelve months after Trump led the organization’s celebratory conference following his return to the presidency, his political position has shifted considerably.
With ongoing military operations while economic and employment concerns persist, his approval ratings have declined. His primary domestic initiative to strengthen election laws before November’s midterm contests has stalled despite Republican congressional control, while the House GOP majority faces threats and Senate Republican prospects appear less secure than previously.
Nevertheless, Trump maintains strong support from his party’s conservative wing. February AP-NORC polling showed 86% of conservatives approve of the president’s performance.
While Trump’s base remains loyal, some within the most conservative groups suggest the Iran division could spell trouble for Republicans in November elections.
Texas Representative Steve Toth, planning to attend CPAC, believes Trump’s conservative support stays strong but acknowledges Republican war messaging could improve.
“From MAGA people, for the most part, I don’t hear frustration with the president,” said Toth, who defeated incumbent Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw in Texas’ March 3 primary. “I don’t know that we’re doing a great job at communicating the full ramifications.”
Texas’ unsettled Senate primary race provides another reminder of this year’s contrasts with 2024, creating particular political complications for Trump.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging four-term GOP Senator John Cornyn, not only attends the conference but receives one of its most prestigious speaking opportunities — Friday evening’s Ronald Reagan Dinner. Cornyn will not attend the Texas gathering.
Three weeks ago, Trump promised to soon endorse either candidate after Paxton trailed Cornyn narrowly in the March 3 primary, though neither secured enough votes to prevent a May 26 runoff election.
Trump urged the non-endorsed candidate to withdraw from the race, posting on social media that the contentious battle “cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer.”
Last week’s deadline for candidates to withdraw from the May 26 runoff passed as both Paxton and Cornyn intensified their attack advertisements against each other.
