What A Day Conservatism's Biggest Conference Was Missing Its Star
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Mar 31, 2026 Ben Jacobs, a Washington political reporter who has covered CPAC for years, recounts his on-the-ground reporting from the 2026 conference. He describes how the conference felt different without Trump and other big names. Short scenes explore TPUSA’s rise, heated debates over Iran and trans issues, and a surprising boost from Iranian exiles and Reza Pahlavi.
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CPAC Became A Trump-First Gathering
- CPAC has shifted from a broad conservative hub to a MAGA-focused rally that primarily amplifies Donald Trump-era politics.
- Ben Jacobs notes recent years turned CPAC into "one-stop, one-band shop for Trump," crowding out internal debate and diverse GOP factions.
Kennedy's Wild Trump-on-a-Placemat Story
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told a vivid story of dining with Donald Trump, using a placemat and Sharpie to draw a "perfect map of the Mid-East."
- Kennedy claimed Trump annotated troop strengths on borders, which Jacobs and Coaston highlighted as an unbelievable campaign anecdote.
Internal Turmoil Hollowed Out CPAC
- Organizational troubles and new conservative groups drained CPAC's influence and attendance energy.
- Jacobs points to misconduct allegations against Matt Schlapp and Turning Point USA "drank CPAC's milkshake," leaving CPAC a legacy brand.