Generational Divide Emerges at CPAC Over Trump's Iran War

Younger conservatives express 'betrayal' while older attendees defend president's actions

Mar. 27, 2026 at 11:18pm

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A generational divide over the Iran war surfaced at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference, as the group's leaders pleaded for unity in a challenging midterm election year for Republicans. Younger conservatives spoke of disappointment and even 'betrayal' over President Donald Trump's launch of strikes against Iran, while older conservatives argued the war is a pragmatic act forced by threats to the United States.

Why it matters

The split could reflect flagging enthusiasm for Trump among some younger voters, a potentially troubling sign for Republicans heading into midterm elections and for the conservative movement as it looks to build beyond Trump's tenure. The divide also highlights the challenges the GOP faces in maintaining a united front on foreign policy issues.

The details

Younger conservatives like Benjamin Williams, a 25-year-old marketing specialist, said Trump's actions run counter to his pledges to oppose foreign entanglements. Meanwhile, older conservatives like 70-year-old retired defense contractor Joe Ropar described Trump as wisely responsive to the threat Iran posed. The differing views emerged in conversations with a dozen participants on either end of the age spectrum who gathered for the annual conservative meeting.

  • The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was held in Grapevine, Texas on March 27, 2026.
  • The U.S. military is preparing to deploy at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East in the coming days.

The players

Benjamin Williams

A 25-year-old marketing specialist for Young Americans for Liberty from Austin, Texas who expressed disappointment and a sense of 'betrayal' over Trump's actions in Iran.

Joe Ropar

A 70-year-old retired defense contractor from McKinney, Texas who argued that Trump did not start a new war but was acting in response to a 40-year-old war by Iran.

Kelle Phillips

A 61-year-old author and religious instructor from Frisco, Texas who said Trump's decision was a pragmatic reaction to a real threat that overrules the best hopes of campaign rhetoric.

James Scharre

A 61-year-old CPAC attendee who interpreted Trump's early campaign opposition to government overthrow as a preference, not an ironclad promise.

Tiffany Krieger

A 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania who said her onetime level-10 support for Trump has dipped to five over the war.

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What they’re saying

“We did not want to see more wars. We wanted actual America-first policies, and Trump was very explicit about that. It does feel like a betrayal, for sure.”

— Benjamin Williams, Marketing Specialist, Young Americans for Liberty

“I'm not happy. That's what keeps me up at night.”

— Sean O'Brien, Auburn University Sophomore

“I don't believe he started a new war. He was acting in response to a 40-year-old war by Iran. How long were we supposed to wait? I think he did what he had to do when he had to do it.”

— Joe Ropar, Retired Defense Contractor

“You campaign on what you want to do and then the world's dynamics happen. I think the difference is if you have someone in the Iranian regime who wants to destroy America. You can't reason with them.”

— Kelle Phillips, Author and Religious Instructor

“Trump is a wise leader. He does what works. And I'm for it.”

— James Scharre

What’s next

The results of CPAC's annual straw poll, which will include a question about the Iran war, will be released on Saturday, the convention's final day.

The takeaway

The generational divide over Trump's Iran war actions highlights the challenges the Republican Party faces in maintaining unity, especially as it heads into a crucial midterm election year. The split could signal waning enthusiasm for Trump among younger conservatives, a troubling sign for the GOP's future.