The escalating U.S. military conflict with Iran has fundamentally fractured the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. Hundreds of Republicans gathered in Grapevine, Texas, this week against the backdrop of recent American missile strikes and retaliatory attacks on U.S. troops. The crisis exposed a deep ideological rift over the party’s foreign policy direction.
President Donald Trump did not attend the gathering for the first time in nearly a decade. His absence left attendees to openly debate the merits of a potential ground invasion. The anxious atmosphere was a stark contrast to the celebratory tone that defined the 2025 conference.
According to a detailed report from The Washington Post, the “America First” coalition is severely split. Rep. Matt Gaetz warned the crowd that a ground invasion of Iran would make the U.S. “poorer and less safe.” He argued it would drive up domestic gas and food prices. Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon cautioned that the U.S. is on the eve of potentially deploying combat troops to areas like Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz. Bannon stressed that the American public still needs to be convinced.
The political risk is measurable. A recent AP-NORC poll shows 59% of Americans believe the current military action in Iran is excessive. The crisis dominates discussions across the world stage. Yet 86% of conservatives still approve of Trump’s overall job performance. Speakers like Mercedes Schlapp and Benny Johnson pleaded for unity to fight socialists in the upcoming midterms.
Immigration remains a universally praised topic among the attendees. Tom Homan, the administration’s border czar, received massive cheers when discussing ongoing deportation operations. “I don’t care if people hate me,” Homan told the crowd. Impromptu demonstrations filled the conference halls. Hundreds of Iranian Americans rallied in support of U.S. military action. They chanted “Thank you, Trump!”