Conservatives Gather for CPAC Amid Divisions Over Iran War

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Conservatives are holding their annual CPAC gathering in Texas, facing a politically perilous moment for President Trump and open divisions within the right over the ongoing war in Iran that Trump launched. While Trump maintains broad support among conservatives, the Iran war is more than a wrinkle for activists drawn to his 'America First' campaign pledge against foreign conflicts. The debate over the war will be a key subtext and likely flare up publicly during the four-day event.

Why it matters

The CPAC conference is one of the largest annual gatherings of conservatives, and the divisions over the Iran war highlight the challenges facing the Republican Party as it heads into the midterm elections. The war's impact on conservative voters could be a significant factor in November, and how the party handles this issue at CPAC may shape the messaging and strategy going forward.

The details

Among the featured speakers at CPAC are longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon, who has warned that the war could 'bleed support' from conservative voters ahead of the midterms, and Sen. Ted Cruz, who supports the president's decision to launch the war. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a critic of the U.S. alliance with Israel against Iran, is also scheduled to speak, underscoring the disagreement among some conservatives. The event comes as Trump's approval rating has declined, his signature domestic policy has stalled, and the Republican hold on Congress is less certain than a year ago when he presided over the jubilant conference.

• CPAC begins on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 outside Dallas, Texas.
• The conference is being held a year after Trump's return to office, when he vowed to 'forge a new and lasting political majority'.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The outcome of the unresolved Texas Senate primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and challenger Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are both scheduled to speak at CPAC, will be a key focus going forward. Trump has said he will soon endorse one of them, though neither received a majority in the March 3 primary to avoid a May 26 runoff.