Full Breakdown
Divisions Emerge Among Conservatives Over Iran War at CPAC 2026
3/26/2026, 1:15:55 AM
Context of the Conservative Political Action Conference
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is taking place in Grapevine, Texas, amid significant political turmoil for President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the war he initiated in Iran. While Trump retains substantial support among conservatives—86% approval according to a February AP-NORC poll—there is a growing rift within the MAGA movement concerning the military action in Iran. This division is expected to be a focal point of discussion at the conference, which runs from March 25 to March 28, 2026.
Key Figures and Conflicting Views
Among the notable speakers at CPAC are Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who supports the war, and former Congressman Matt Gaetz, who has criticized the U.S. military alliance with Israel against Iran. Gaetz's stance has drawn criticism from pro-Israel factions within the Republican Party, highlighting the internal conflict over foreign policy. Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally, has warned that a prolonged conflict could alienate conservative voters ahead of the midterm elections, stating, "We are going to bleed support."
Political Implications and Concerns
The ongoing war in Iran poses a potential threat to Republican unity as the party prepares for the upcoming midterms. Some conservatives express concern that the division over foreign policy could hinder their electoral prospects. Texas Representative Steve Toth noted that while Trump's support remains strong, the party's messaging regarding the war could improve to better communicate its implications to voters.
The Texas Senate Primary and Trump's Influence
The unresolved Texas Senate primary between Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape. Neither candidate secured enough votes to avoid a runoff scheduled for May 26, 2026. Trump has indicated he will endorse one of the candidates but has urged the other to withdraw to maintain party cohesion. Cornyn's absence from CPAC contrasts sharply with Paxton's prominent speaking role, further illustrating the divisions within the party.
Official Statements and Responses
While Trump has not attended CPAC this year, his influence remains palpable. He has emphasized that "MAGA is Trump," asserting that the movement continues to support his agenda despite the internal disagreements. CPAC organizer Mercedes Schlapp acknowledged the evident tensions within the conservative movement, stating, "There’s a lot of tension… we can disagree, but the name-calling in the conservative world is not helpful."
What's Next
The upcoming Texas Senate primary runoff will serve as a critical test of Trump's influence within the Republican Party and could provide insights into how the divisions over the Iran war affect voter sentiment as the midterm elections approach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
