Trump’s Absence Dominates Conservative Gathering in Texas

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Grapevine, Texas centered around former President Trump despite his absence for the first time in nearly a decade. Speakers called for Republican unity ahead of challenging midterm elections while revealing divisions over the Iran conflict.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Former President Donald Trump skipped the annual Conservative Political Action Conference for the first time in almost ten years, yet the gathering in Texas remained focused entirely on him and his policies.

The conference highlighted internal tensions within the conservative movement, particularly regarding Trump’s military actions against Iran, while also celebrating his strict immigration enforcement. Speakers repeatedly urged Republicans to unite as they prepare for challenging midterm elections ahead.

This year’s atmosphere differed markedly from the previous conference, where conservatives celebrated Trump’s presidential victory and Elon Musk famously brandished a chainsaw to represent his upcoming role with the Department of Government Efficiency.

Throughout the event, numerous speakers emphasized the need for Republican solidarity.

“They want us divided,” cautioned Mercedes Schlapp, a CPAC senior fellow whose spouse Matt leads the organization.

Religious leader Franklin Graham characterized the Iranian conflict as a “critical time for our country.”

“We can discuss our differences, but do it with respect without attacking and tearing down the other person,” Graham stated. “Save that for the socialists.”

Conservative media personality Benny Johnson acknowledged internal movement debates but urged Trump supporters to concentrate on policy wins like enhanced border enforcement.

“I want to establish something very clearly here that your enemy is not the people that you have good-faith disagreements with inside your movement,” Johnson declared. “Your enemy is the Marxist, and they’re going to be running against us hard in the midterms and in 2028.”

Despite unity appeals, the Iran situation exposed clear conservative divisions. While direct Trump criticism remained minimal, several voices expressed concern about expanding military involvement.

“A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe. It will mean higher gas prices, higher food prices, and I’m not sure we would end up killing more terrorists than we would create,” stated former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.

Trump associate Steve Bannon acknowledged presidential authority while suggesting public opinion needed consideration.

“The decision in going forward is obviously the commander in chief’s,” Bannon noted, “but he suggested that the American people still need to be convinced.”

“You have to be convinced that this is the right thing to do, particularly now that we’re on the eve of potentially the insertion of American combat troops,” Bannon continued. “Your sons, daughters, granddaughters, grandsons could be on Kharg Island or holding a beachhead down by the Strait of Hormuz.”

Associated Press-NORC polling indicates Trump could face voter backlash if fuel costs rise during extended Middle Eastern military operations he previously pledged to prevent.

Hundreds of Iranian Americans supporting military intervention attended the conference, organizing spontaneous pro-war rallies.

Attendees repeatedly chanted, “Thank you, Trump! Thank you, Trump!”

Plano, Texas resident David Mansouri, an Iranian immigrant and American citizen, framed the conflict as liberation warfare potentially creating a new regional partnership.

“It’s the best time to make America great again,” Mansouri declared, calling Iran the “biggest part of the puzzle.”

Immigration policy discussions generated the conference’s strongest audience reactions, featuring recently retired Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino as a special guest. Bovino previously directed high-profile urban enforcement operations before being reassigned following protester deaths involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

Bovino appeared briefly during Johnson’s presentation, receiving a handshake from actor Dean Cain.

Tom Homan, Trump’s border enforcement chief who replaced Bovino in Minnesota, also attended the gathering. He received enthusiastic applause while promising continued deportation efforts.

“I don’t care if people hate me,” Homan stated.