Rifts over Iran, but unity for Trump: Takeaways from CPAC 2026
npr.org • • general
Key Points:
- The 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas proceeded without President Trump for the first time in a decade, marking a significant absence amid ongoing U.S. strikes against Iran that have divided the Republican base.
- Despite broad support among Republicans for Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents expressed disillusionment, with some criticizing the war and Trump's departure from his "no new wars" promise.
- The conference featured fewer midterm campaign-focused speeches, with some candidates emphasizing the importance of maintaining GOP control of Congress to protect Trump's agenda.
- CPAC showcased many new conservative voices and international figures, such as former British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Eduardo Bolsonaro, signaling an expansion of MAGA conservatism beyond traditional U.S. figures.
- The event highlighted ongoing internal divisions within the conservative movement and underscored Trump's unique role in uniting the party, raising questions about leadership cohesion as the 2028 election approaches.
