What's happened
The annual conservative conference CPAC in Texas saw notable absences, including Donald Trump, amid shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. Discussions focus on future leadership, Iran, and the party’s direction post-Trump, with new figures like Liz Truss making appearances and debates about the party's ideological future.
What's behind the headline?
The absence of Donald Trump from CPAC 2026 marks a significant shift in the conservative movement. His longstanding presence has symbolized the MAGA core, but his absence suggests a possible transition or internal uncertainty about the party’s future. The conference's new dynamics, including a larger Iranian contingent and figures like Liz Truss, highlight a diversification of influence and a potential move away from Trump-centric politics.
The growing presence of international figures and the focus on Iran indicate that foreign policy debates are becoming more prominent within conservative circles, possibly reflecting a broader strategic recalibration. Meanwhile, the internal critique from figures like Steve Bannon and Matt Gaetz about U.S. military engagement signals a nuanced debate about America’s role abroad, even among Trump supporters.
The internal party discussions about succession and future leadership, with some attendees already considering 2028 candidates, suggest that the GOP is preparing for a post-Trump era. The straw poll to be released at CPAC will likely reveal whether Trump’s influence remains dominant or if new figures are gaining ground.
Overall, CPAC 2026 exemplifies a party at a crossroads, balancing loyalty to Trump with emerging leadership and shifting foreign policy priorities. The event signals a potential realignment that could influence U.S. politics for years to come.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights the internal debates within the GOP about future leadership, noting that some attendees are already considering 2028 candidates and that Trump’s influence may be waning. The NY Post emphasizes the unusual absence of Trump and the conference's shifting dynamics, including the large Iranian contingent and the presence of Liz Truss, illustrating a broader diversification of the movement. Both sources underscore the uncertainty about the party’s future direction and the internal debates shaping it, with The New York Times focusing on the political implications and The Post on the event's spectacle and symbolism.
How we got here
CPAC has historically been a key gathering for the Republican right, showcasing its leaders and ideological debates. The 2026 event reflects ongoing shifts, with Trump’s uncertain presence, a broader international presence, and new figures emerging as potential future leaders amid internal party debates about direction and strategy.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Elizabeth Mary Truss, known as Liz Truss, is a British politician serving as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade since July 2019 and Minister for Women and Equalities since September 2019.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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The Conservative Political Action Conference is an annual political conference attended by conservative activists and elected officials from across the United States and beyond. CPAC is hosted by the American Conservative Union.
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Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019.