CPAC has long been regarded as a destination for conservative voters to network and organize. However, the 2026 conference in Dallas marked a significant shift, as it was the first time in a decade that former President Donald Trump did not attend.
The backdrop to this year’s event was the ongoing conflict in Iran, which escalated with U.S. strikes beginning just one month prior to CPAC. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that nearly 80% of Republicans approved of Trump’s handling of the war, yet younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents showed decreased support.
During his speech at CPAC, Congressman Matt Gaetz openly criticized the war in Iran, stating, “A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe.” His remarks reflect a growing divide within Trump’s historically loyal base, as many attendees expressed feelings of betrayal over the former president’s military actions.
Despite Trump’s absence, CPAC 2026 featured a lineup of new faces in the conservative movement, focusing on key policy priorities such as culture war issues and illegal immigration. This year, fewer candidates treated the event as a campaign stop compared to previous years, indicating a potential shift in strategy within the Republican Party.
Polling data shows that while 74% of Republicans supported the strikes on Iran, Trump’s approval rating has plummeted to 36%, its lowest since his return to the White House. This decline in approval is indicative of the internal conflicts brewing among party members regarding foreign policy.
Attendees like Harry Strine III expressed unwavering support for Israel, stating, “Israel is God’s people,” while others voiced concerns over the direction of the party. Joseph Bolick, another attendee, lamented, “I feel betrayed because he’s promised no new wars.”
As the conference concluded, observers noted the potential implications for the Republican Party moving forward. With divisions over the Iran war and Trump’s absence, the future of the party’s leadership and direction remains uncertain. Rev. Franklin Graham remarked, “I believe God has raised him up for a time such as this, like Queen Esther,” highlighting the ongoing debate over Trump’s role in the party.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of CPAC 2026 on the Republican Party, but the discussions and sentiments expressed at the conference suggest a pivotal moment for conservatives as they navigate these challenges.