Full Breakdown
CPAC 2025: A Focus on Action Amidst Conservative Divisions
3/25/2026, 5:10:47 PM
Overview of the Conference
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is set to take place in Dallas, Texas, commencing on Wednesday. This year's theme, "Actions Over Words," reflects a desire among conservatives to unify and build momentum ahead of the midterm elections. The event will feature a variety of speakers, including former Trump administration officials and international leaders, and will include social events and summits aimed at fostering collaboration among conservatives.
Key Themes and Objectives
CPAC's organizers, including Matt Schlapp, chair of the American Conservative Union (ACU), emphasize the importance of action in the conservative movement. Schlapp noted that the conference comes at a time of significant internal conflict within the movement, particularly regarding foreign policy and legislative priorities like the SAVE America Act. He stated, “Talking without action means little,” highlighting the urgency for conservatives to move beyond debate and into effective action.
Notable Attendees and Speakers
While President Donald Trump's attendance remains uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, several prominent figures from his administration are expected to participate. These include Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Linda McMahon, and Tom Homan. Schlapp also mentioned that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will attend, while the participation of Senator John Cornyn is still in question. The conference will kick off with a prayer from Franklin Graham, who is anticipated to address the political landscape directly.
International Presence
CPAC will also feature international guests, including senior officials from the Israeli government and Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki. Schlapp noted the significance of Nawrocki's attendance, referencing CPAC's previous involvement in Polish elections and the ongoing relationship between the organization and Polish leadership. Nawrocki's visit will include a tour of the F35 production line, underscoring the conference's international connections.
Criticism and Internal Divisions
Despite the focus on unity, there are notable divisions within the conservative movement. Schlapp acknowledged the challenges posed by prominent conservatives publicly disagreeing on various issues, which he believes detracts from the movement's effectiveness. He remarked on the consequences of these divisions, citing the election of a "Communist" mayor in New York City as a reflection of what can happen when conservatives fail to present a united front.
Future Directions
Following the Dallas conference, CPAC plans to expand its reach with upcoming events in Germany and the United Kingdom. This expansion reflects the organization's commitment to fostering conservative values on an international scale, building on its recent successes in Hungary and Poland.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Talking without action means little,” — Matt Schlapp, Chair of the American Conservative Union
- “We spent a lot of the year watching different conservatives with large followings squabble with each other, and throughout that process I kept thinking that it’s taking a lot of bandwidth figuring out who’s right and who’s wrong,” — Matt Schlapp
- “because the left has made everything political.” — Matt Schlapp
CPAC 2025 aims to address the pressing need for action within the conservative movement while navigating the complexities of internal divisions and external challenges.
