CPAC Highlights Trump's Agenda, Iran Policy, and Immigration

Conservative conference features speakers calling for regime change in Iran and continued deportation efforts

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas brought together leading conservative figures to promote party unity and advance President Donald Trump's policy agenda, including his approach to Iran and immigration enforcement. Speakers like exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for the overthrow of Iran's government, while others debated the risks of escalating the conflict. Immigration was another central theme, with officials signaling the administration's intent to maintain its hardline stance.

Why it matters

CPAC serves as a key gathering for the Republican Party to rally its base and set the conservative agenda. The conference's focus on Trump's continued influence, the Iran conflict, and immigration enforcement highlights the ongoing ideological divisions within the GOP and the party's efforts to energize its supporters ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

The details

The conference featured prominent speakers, including Pahlavi, Steve Bannon, Matt Gaetz, Senator Ted Cruz, and administration officials. Pahlavi drew strong support as he called for the overthrow of Iran's ruling regime, while others warned against escalating the conflict with Iran. Immigration enforcement was another central theme, with officials emphasizing continued deportation efforts and signaling the administration's intent to maintain its hardline approach.

  • CPAC was held from March 25-28, 2026 in the Grapevine area of Dallas.
  • The conference's annual straw poll showed Vice President JD Vance leading support for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.

The players

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled Iranian Crown Prince who called for the overthrow of Iran's ruling regime and positioned himself as a potential transitional leader.

Steve Bannon

A prominent conservative figure who spoke at the conference.

Matt Gaetz

A Republican Congressman who spoke at the conference.

Ted Cruz

A Republican Senator who highlighted legislative achievements attributed to the GOP.

JD Vance

The Vice President who was leading support in the conference's 2028 presidential nomination straw poll.

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What they’re saying

“A liberated Iran could become a source of stability and economic opportunity and a partner to the West.”

— Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Iranian Crown Prince

“2026 could mark both America's 250th year and Iran's rebirth.”

— Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Iranian Crown Prince

What’s next

The conference's focus on Trump's continued influence, the Iran conflict, and immigration enforcement suggests these issues will remain central to the Republican Party's agenda leading up to the 2028 presidential election.

The takeaway

CPAC's emphasis on Trump's policy priorities and the party's ideological divisions underscores the GOP's efforts to energize its base and position itself for the next presidential race, even as it grapples with internal debates over the direction of the conservative movement.