For the first time in nearly ten years, former President Donald Trump did not attend the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), one of the largest annual gatherings of conservatives in the United States. The event, held in Grapevine, Texas, nevertheless remained heavily focused on Trump and his policies, reflecting his enduring influence within the conservative movement despite his absence.
CPAC 2024 unfolded against a backdrop of political tension and uncertainty as Republicans prepared for challenging midterm elections. Attendees and speakers grappled with various issues that have defined Trump's tenure and continuing impact on the party, including foreign policy, immigration, and internal party unity. The mood and tone of this year's conference marked a departure from the previous year, which had been buoyed by Trump's recent return to office and featured memorable moments, such as Elon Musk symbolically wielding a chainsaw to represent his new role in government efficiency.
From the outset, the conference emphasized a call for unity among conservatives. Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow at CPAC and wife of the organization's chairman Matt Schlapp, urged attendees to resist division. "They want us divided," she warned, underscoring the need for solidarity within the movement. This theme of avoiding infighting echoed throughout the event as speakers encouraged respectful dialogue despite differing viewpoints.
Prominent evangelical leader Franklin Graham spoke about the ongoing conflict with Iran, describing it as a "critical time for our country." While acknowledging that conservatives may disagree on various issues, he appealed for respectful discourse, suggesting that harsh internal attacks should be reserved for political opponents outside the conservative camp. "Save that for the socialists," Graham advised.
Conservative influencer Benny Johnson echoed this sentiment, addressing internal debates within the movement but urging Trump supporters to focus on key policy achievements, particularly those related to immigration. Johnson highlighted the importance of confronting external political foes rather than becoming mired in disputes within the conservative ranks. "Your enemy is not the people that you have good-faith disagreements with inside your movement," he said. "Your enemy is the Marxist, and they're going to be running against us hard in the midterms and in 2028."
Despite these calls for unity, the conservative movement was far from unanimous in its stance on the war with Iran. While criticism of Trump himself was minimal, some speakers cautioned against escalating the conflict. Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz warned that a ground invasion of Iran could have severe economic consequences for the United States, including higher gas and food prices. He also expressed skepticism about the military effectiveness of such an invasion, questioning whether it would kill more terrorists or instead create new enemies.
Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally and former White House strategist, acknowledged that the decision to increase military involvement rests with the commander in chief. However, he emphasized that the American public must be convinced that such action is necessary, especially as the possibility of deploying American combat troops looms. Bannon painted a vivid picture of potential American soldiers stationed in strategic locations like Kharg Island or the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Polling data from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research suggests that Trump faces the risk of alienating his base if gas prices rise significantly amid a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict-something he had promised to avoid during his presidency. This tension was palpable at CPAC, where hundreds of Iranian Americans who support U.S. military action against Iran attended and staged spontaneous pro-war demonstrations. These attendees expressed fervent support for Trump's approach, chanting "Thank you, Trump!" as an expression of gratitude for his stance on Iran.
David Mansouri, an Iranian immigrant and American citizen residing in Plano, Texas, articulated the perspective of many in the crowd. He described the conflict as a "war of liberation" with the potential to reshape the Middle East by establishing a new American ally. For Mansouri, the current moment represented a prime opportunity to "make America great again," with Iran positioned as a crucial piece of the geopolitical puzzle.
Immigration enforcement, one of the hallmarks of Trump's presidency, received enthusiastic applause throughout the conference. A notable presence was Gregory Bovino, a recently retired Border Patrol commander who had led controversial urban crackdowns but was sidelined following protests in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two individuals at the hands of federal agents. Bovino made a brief appearance onstage during Benny Johnson's speech, where he was greeted warmly, including a handshake from actor Dean Cain.
Tom Homan, another key figure in Trump's immigration enforcement efforts and the former border czar who succeeded Bovino in Minnesota, also attended CPAC. Homan's remarks underscored the ongoing commitment to the deportation and border security policies championed by Trump. "I don't care if people hate me," Homan declared to cheers, signaling a defiant stance in the face of criticism and opposition.
Overall, CPAC 2024 showcased a conservative movement deeply shaped by Donald Trump's legacy and policies, even in his physical absence. The conference highlighted the party's internal challenges, including debates over foreign policy and the imperative to maintain unity ahead of critical elections. While divisions exist, particularly regarding the conflict with Iran, the overarching message was one of rallying around shared goals and preparing for a contentious political future.
As Republicans face a difficult midterm election cycle, CPAC served as a reminder of both the enduring influence of Trump and the ongoing debates within the conservative movement about the direction of the party. The conference underscored the importance of managing internal differences while confronting external political challenges, setting the stage for the months ahead in American politics.
This coverage was reported from Grapevine, Texas, with additional contributions from Morrisville, Pennsylvania, providing comprehensive insight into the key moments and themes of CPAC 2024. The event remains a significant barometer of conservative priorities and divisions as the United States approaches a pivotal election year.