CPAC has long been regarded as a destination for conservative voters to network and organize. The 2026 edition, held in Dallas on March 28, marked a notable departure from tradition, as former President Donald Trump did not attend for the first time in a decade. This absence comes in the wake of escalating tensions, particularly regarding the U.S. military strikes against Iran that began just one month prior to the conference.
The political landscape surrounding CPAC 2026 was further complicated by a Pew Research Center survey indicating that nearly 80% of Republicans approved of Trump’s handling of the war in Iran. However, younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents expressed decreasing support for Trump on this issue, revealing a growing divide within his historically loyal base.
During the conference, Representative Matt Gaetz openly criticized the war in Iran, stating, “A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe.” His remarks resonated with some attendees who felt betrayed by Trump’s shift in foreign policy, as expressed by Joseph Bolick, who said, “I feel betrayed because he’s promised no new wars.” This sentiment highlights the internal conflict among conservatives regarding military intervention.
Unlike previous years, CPAC 2026 featured fewer candidates treating the event as a campaign stop, with many new faces emerging in the conservative movement. The conference focused heavily on Trump’s key policy priorities, including culture war issues and illegal immigration, rather than the typical lineup of presidential hopefuls.
Polling data from Reuters/Ipsos revealed that 74% of Republicans supported the strikes on Iran, yet Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 36%, its lowest since his return to the White House. This decline in approval signals potential challenges ahead for Trump as he navigates the complexities of his base’s opinions.
As the conference concluded, observers noted the significance of the generational divide among Republicans, particularly regarding skepticism towards Israel, which appears to be influenced by age. The age of 45 has emerged as a dividing line, with younger attendees expressing different views compared to older generations.
Looking ahead, the implications of CPAC 2026 and the ongoing conflict in Iran may shape the Republican Party’s direction as it prepares for future elections. The evolving dynamics within the party, especially concerning foreign policy, will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics.
As the political landscape continues to shift, the voices of attendees like Harry Strine III, who stated, “Israel is God’s people,” and Rev. Franklin Graham, who believes Trump has been raised for this moment, reflect the deep-rooted beliefs that still resonate within the conservative base.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these developments will impact the Republican Party’s strategy moving forward, but the conversations sparked at CPAC 2026 are likely to influence the discourse in the months to come.