Conservatives Gather at CPAC as Iran War Divides Right/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Conservatives gathered at CPAC amid growing divisions over the Iran war. Some Trump allies support military action while others warn of political risks. The conference highlights tensions within the Republican Party ahead of midterms.
CPAC Iran War Divisions — Quick Looks
- CPAC kicks off near Dallas, Texas
- Iran war divides conservative movement
- 59% of Americans say Iran action excessive
- Trump not confirmed as CPAC speaker
- Steve Bannon warns war could hurt GOP
- Ted Cruz defends Trump’s military action
- Matt Gaetz questions U.S.-Israel alliance
- Trump approval remains strong among conservatives
- Texas GOP Senate race adds tension
- Midterm elections loom over conference
Deep Look: Conservatives Gather at CPAC With Iran War Dividing the Right
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Conservatives are convening at one of their largest annual gatherings amid growing divisions over the war in Iran, creating a politically sensitive backdrop for President Donald Trump and Republican leaders ahead of key midterm elections.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held outside Dallas, brings together thousands of activists, lawmakers, influencers, and conservative media figures. This year’s event arrives at a challenging political moment, as debate over U.S. military involvement in Iran threatens to split parts of Trump’s “America First” coalition.
Although Trump maintains strong support among conservative voters, skepticism about foreign military engagement is surfacing within the movement. According to an AP-NORC poll, approximately 59% of Americans believe the military action in Iran is excessive — a sentiment that could shape conversations throughout the four-day conference.
Iran War Emerges as Central Debate
The Iran conflict is expected to dominate discussions at CPAC, with prominent speakers offering sharply different views.
Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon, scheduled to appear at the event, warned earlier this month that prolonged conflict could damage Republican support heading into midterm elections.
“If this becomes a hard slog, we are going to bleed support,” Bannon said on his “War Room” podcast.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, also scheduled to speak, expressed strong backing for Trump’s decision to use military force.
“I think President Trump was exactly right to act to protect Americans,” Cruz said during a recent interview.
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s appearance further underscores divisions within conservative circles. Gaetz has criticized U.S. alignment with Israel, echoing views expressed by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Those comments have sparked backlash from pro-Israel Republican groups, which have accused some critics of veering into antisemitic rhetoric.
Other scheduled speakers include Trump border czar Tom Homan and former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, who is running for Senate in North Carolina.
A Different Atmosphere From Last Year
The tone at this year’s CPAC contrasts sharply with last year’s event, which celebrated Trump’s return to office. During that gathering, Trump pledged to build a lasting political majority, while Elon Musk appeared with a chainsaw to symbolize aggressive cuts to government spending.
This year, neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance had been publicly confirmed as speakers at the start of the conference, further highlighting uncertainty surrounding the event.
The conference also comes just after a Democrat flipped a Florida state legislative seat near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence — another sign of shifting political momentum.
Trump Maintains Strong Conservative Support
Despite growing debate over Iran, Trump continues to enjoy strong support among conservative voters. A February AP-NORC poll found that 86% of conservatives approve of the president’s job performance.
Still, some Republican leaders warn that divisions over foreign policy could affect party unity heading into the November midterms.
Texas Rep. Steve Toth, who plans to attend CPAC, said Trump remains popular among grassroots conservatives but acknowledged concerns about messaging around the Iran conflict.
“From MAGA people, for the most part, I don’t hear frustration with the president,” Toth said. “I don’t know that we’re doing a great job at communicating the full ramifications.”
Texas Senate Race Adds Political Tension
Another issue looming over CPAC is the unresolved Texas Republican Senate primary between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn.
Paxton is attending the conference and is scheduled to deliver a prominent speech at the Ronald Reagan Dinner. Cornyn is not expected to attend.
Trump previously indicated he would endorse one of the candidates after neither secured a majority in the March 3 primary. However, the race remains unsettled, with both candidates launching aggressive campaign ads ahead of a May 26 runoff.
Trump has urged unity, warning that the prolonged primary battle could harm Republican chances in the general election.
Midterm Stakes Heighten Divisions
The CPAC gathering comes as Republicans face a more uncertain political environment than a year ago. Trump’s domestic voting policy initiative has stalled in Congress, and Republicans face challenges maintaining control of both chambers.
With the Iran war adding new political complications, the conference is shaping up as a test of Republican unity and messaging ahead of November.
As conservative leaders debate foreign policy, political strategy, and upcoming elections, CPAC 2026 highlights a movement grappling with internal divisions while preparing for a critical election year.
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