GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) – The 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), one of the largest annual gatherings of conservatives, took place this year without the attendance of President Donald Trump for the first time in nearly a decade. Despite his absence, the conference prominently revolved around Trump's influence and policies, highlighting the ongoing divisions and concerns within the conservative movement.
The event saw notable discussions around Trump's immigration policies, pride in his crackdown on border issues, and warnings about increasing tensions with Iran. Speakers urged unity among conservatives as the Republican Party approaches challenging midterm elections in 2026. Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at CPAC, emphasized the need for cohesion, stating, "They want us divided." Evangelist Franklin Graham echoed this sentiment, relating the current geopolitical climate, particularly concerning Iran, as a critical moment for the nation. He stressed the importance of respectful disagreement, saying, "Save that for the socialists."
One influential speaker, conservative influencer Benny Johnson, called for party members to focus on Trump's successes, particularly in immigration enforcement. He declared, "Your enemy is the Marxist, and they’re going to be running against us hard in the midterms and in 2028," drawing a clear line in the ideological battle facing the party.
During the conference, there were also stark disagreements regarding military action in Iran. Despite a lack of direct criticism of Trump, some expressed reservations about escalating the conflict. Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz warned against a ground invasion, arguing it would harm American safety and increase costs. Steve Bannon, a key Trump ally, acknowledged the weight of the decision on military engagement but suggested that the American public needed to be persuaded of its necessity.
Recent polling data indicated that rising gas prices and prolonged military involvement could risk alienating Trump's voter base, emphasizing the delicate balance he must maintain between his foreign policy goals and domestic expectations. Notably, a large contingent of Iranian Americans supporting U.S. military action expressed their enthusiasm, frequently chanting, "Thank you, Trump!" at the conference.
Trump's immigration policies received strong applause, particularly from attendees supporting recently retired Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino, who was a guest speaker. His past experience during high-profile border crackdowns resonated with conference goers, with Tom Homan, Trump’s former border czar, reiterating Trump's commitment to deportation efforts, stating, “I don’t care if people hate me.” This sentiment was indicative of the lingering support for Trump's hardline approach to immigration within the GOP.
Overall, the 2026 CPAC highlighted both the reverberating influence of Trump on the conservative agenda and the significant internal disagreements over key issues such as military intervention and unity within the party as they navigate the complexities of the upcoming electoral season.
