Rifts Over Iran Divide Trump's Base at CPAC 2026

While Trump remains the glue holding conservatives together, the war with Iran has split his historically loyal supporters.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, divisions have emerged within the Republican base over President Trump's handling of the conflict with Iran. While die-hard Trump supporters like Jeff Hadley argue the president is taking necessary action, others such as student Andrew Belcher express concerns about the political risks of a failed regime change war. With Trump himself skipping the event, the conference highlights the challenge of finding a unifying figure to lead the party post-Trump.

Why it matters

CPAC has traditionally been a platform for Trump to rally his base, but his absence this year and the rifts over Iran policy expose the fragility of Republican unity without the former president's dominant presence. The divisions within the party could have significant implications for the future direction of conservatism in the U.S.

The details

While most Republican voters still approve of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict according to recent polling, the issue has created fissures within his coalition. Outspoken critics like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have voiced opposition, while others like student Andrew Belcher express reservations about the political risks of a failed regime change war. However, die-hard supporters like Jeff Hadley argue Trump is the only leader willing to confront Iran's longstanding threat.

  • The U.S. began strikes against Iran nearly a month ago.
  • Trump spoke at CPAC last year, newly sworn in and pledging to be a 'peacemaker, not a conqueror'.

The players

Jeff Hadley

A CPAC attendee who drove from Raleigh, North Carolina, and argues that Trump is the only leader willing to confront Iran's longstanding threat.

Andrew Belcher

A student at Miami University in Ohio who believes Trump understands the political risks of a failed regime change war in Iran.

Tucker Carlson

A conservative commentator and outspoken critic of Trump's Iran policy.

Megyn Kelly

A conservative commentator and outspoken critic of Trump's Iran policy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's the one that's going to do it. And I think a lot of people feel more confident in him doing it than a lifelong politician that wants to follow the rules of their party.”

— Jeff Hadley

“I think he understands the political risk of if this were to fail, this is the nail in the coffin for the rest of his presidency and will be his reputation for the rest of time. I think the American people do not want another failed and long-term regime-change war.”

— Andrew Belcher, Student

What’s next

The outcome of the conflict with Iran and its political fallout will be closely watched as a potential turning point for Trump's presidency and the future direction of the Republican Party.

The takeaway

The divisions within the Republican base over Trump's handling of the Iran conflict highlight the challenge of maintaining party unity without the former president's dominant presence. As CPAC demonstrates, finding a unifying figure to lead conservatives in a post-Trump era remains an open question.