Age Gap Divides Conservatives at CPAC Over Trump’s Iran Military Action

Conservative activists at this year's CPAC gathering in Texas showed a clear generational split regarding Trump's Iran military strikes. Younger attendees expressed feelings of betrayal over the president's foreign military engagement, while older conservatives defended the actions as necessary responses to Iranian threats.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Conservative activists meeting in Texas this week revealed a stark age-based disagreement regarding President Donald Trump’s military strikes against Iran, with conference organizers calling for Republican unity during what promises to be a difficult midterm election cycle.

Young conservative attendees expressed frustration and feelings of abandonment regarding Trump’s Iranian military operations, telling The Associated Press in interviews that the president’s decisions contradict his repeated promises to avoid overseas military involvement.

Conversely, older conservative participants dismissed Trump’s previous campaign statements criticizing foreign military interventions, contending that the Iranian conflict represents a necessary response to legitimate threats against America.

This clear generational schism became apparent through discussions with twelve conference participants from different age groups attending the annual conservative gathering near Dallas. Such disagreement may signal declining Trump support among younger Republican voters, presenting potential challenges for the party in upcoming midterm races and for conservative leadership planning beyond Trump’s presidency.

“We did not want to see more wars. We wanted actual America-first policies, and Trump was very explicit about that,” said Benjamin Williams, a 25-year-old marketing specialist for Young Americans for Liberty. “It does feel like a betrayal, for sure.”

Williams, an Austin, Texas resident, expressed concern for his military friends, particularly his brother serving as an Air Force officer. He views the conflict as unnecessary disruption to Middle Eastern stability that may harm America’s economic interests long-term.

“Trump’s rhetoric was very important for people of my generation,” Williams said.

Auburn University student Sean O’Brien indicated his Trump support has weakened, particularly regarding potential troop deployments to the Middle East. “I’m not happy,” he said.

Regarding potential Iranian troop deployment, he stated, “would be full betrayal.”

Given military preparations to send at least 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East soon, O’Brien said, “That’s what keeps me up at night.”

Senior CPAC attendees showed much greater tolerance, characterizing Trump as appropriately responding to Iranian threats. Multiple participants argued Trump didn’t start the conflict, claiming Iran initiated hostilities decades earlier.

“I don’t believe he started a new war. He was acting in response to a 40-year-old war by Iran,” said 70-year-old retired defense contractor Joe Ropar of McKinney, Texas. “How long were we supposed to wait? I think he did what he had to do when he had to do it.”

“Do nothing? I’m not on board with that,” Ropar said.

Reflecting sentiments from other senior attendees, Kelle Phillips described Trump’s choice as a realistic response to genuine threats that supersedes campaign promises.

“You campaign on what you want to do and then the world’s dynamics happen,” said Phillips, a 61-year-old author and religious instructor from Frisco, Texas. “I think the difference is if you have someone in the Iranian regime who wants to destroy America. You can’t reason with them.”

James Scharre believes Trump’s Iranian objectives remain short-term and shouldn’t worry those opposed to extended overseas conflicts.

Scharre, 61, views Trump’s earlier campaign opposition to regime change as preference rather than absolute commitment.

“I think he said he was against it,” he said. “Trump is a wise leader. He does what works. And I’m for it.”

Conservative unity began fracturing early in the conflict, with prominent voices like podcaster Tucker Carlson leading opposition.

Recently, Joe Kent, director of the Center for Counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security, resigned from his Trump administration position, stating in his resignation letter that “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran” and that “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.”

Conservative podcaster Steve Bannon, scheduled to address CPAC, has publicly worried that extended Middle Eastern military involvement could cost Republicans support by causing some conservatives to skip November’s midterm elections.

These concerns arise as Republicans face potential House losses and their narrow Senate control appears less secure than previously.

Recent polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that while Trump’s approval ratings remain stable, the Iranian situation may become a significant political burden for his administration. Approximately 59% of Americans consider U.S. military actions in Iran excessive, according to the survey.

CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp recognized conservative divisions over Iran and announced the convention’s annual preference poll will address the issue. Results will be announced Saturday during the convention’s closing day.

“Any consensus is still to be determined. I think people trust President Trump, so I don’t think there’s been any shaking of his support,” Schlapp told the AP. “But I think underneath there’s concern about where does this lead.”

Tiffany Krieger, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh sophomore, reported her maximum Trump support has dropped to half due to the conflict.

“It seems like the love for him is plateauing. We see our party splitting apart and we’re supposed to be united,” said Krieger, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. “I think this issue with the war has put a line through the conservative movement.”

Almost directly responding to Krieger’s concerns, Mercedes Schlapp, senior fellow for the CPAC foundation, began Thursday’s Texas conference session with a unity appeal.

“We cannot divide from within,” she addressed hundreds of attendees from the convention center stage. Referencing political opposition, she continued: “Let’s stay united. They want us divided.”