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Grapevine Today
By the People, for the People
Conservatives Gather for CPAC Amid Division Over Iran War
Trump's standing weakens as party faces tough midterm elections and internal rift over foreign policy
Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:52am
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Conservatives are holding their annual CPAC gathering in Texas, but this year's event comes at a perilous political moment for President Donald Trump. The war in Iran has created open division within the right, with some Trump allies voicing concerns about the conflict's potential political costs. Featured speakers hold conflicting views on the war, underscoring the tensions within the conservative movement.
Why it matters
The CPAC conference is a key event for the conservative movement, and the divisions over the Iran war highlight the challenges facing the Republican Party as it heads into the midterm elections. Trump's approval ratings have dipped, and the party's control of Congress is uncertain, raising questions about the political fallout from the ongoing conflict.
The details
The four-day CPAC event will feature prominent MAGA figures, including longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon, who has warned that the Iran war could "bleed support" from the GOP. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who supports the war, is also scheduled to speak. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, known for his criticism of the U.S. alliance with Israel, is also on the agenda, underscoring the divisions within the conservative movement. The event comes as Trump's signature domestic policy, aimed at tightening voting rules, has stalled in Congress, while the party's hold on Congress is less certain than a year ago.
- The CPAC conference begins on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, outside Dallas.
- Three weeks ago, Trump said he would soon endorse a candidate in the Texas GOP Senate primary, which is headed to a runoff on May 26.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president, who is facing a tough political moment as conservatives gather for CPAC.
Steve Bannon
A longtime Trump ally who has warned that the Iran war could "bleed support" from the GOP.
Ted Cruz
The Texas senator who supports the war in Iran.
Matt Gaetz
The former Republican congressman known for his criticism of the U.S. alliance with Israel.
Ken Paxton
The Texas attorney general who is challenging incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn in a contentious primary runoff.
What they’re saying
“We are going to bleed support.”
— Steve Bannon, Podcast host
“I think President Trump was exactly right to act to protect Americans.”
— Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator
What’s next
The Texas GOP Senate primary runoff between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is scheduled for May 26, and the winner will likely receive Trump's endorsement.
The takeaway
The divisions within the conservative movement over the Iran war highlight the challenges facing the Republican Party as it heads into the midterm elections. Trump's standing has weakened, and the party's control of Congress is uncertain, raising questions about the political fallout from the ongoing conflict.
