Staff Reports
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has officially morphed into a full-blown love fest for the MAGA movement, proving that sometimes the best way to lead is to align yourself with the most popular figure in the room. President Trump, a recognizable titan of the conservative landscape, is set to take the stage, drawing crowds with an allure that even Ronald Reagan would have envied. It seems attendees have mastered the art of planning their schedules around Trump’s appearance, basking in the glow of his presence like moths to a glowing flame of red, white, and blue.
The transformation of CPAC from Ron Paul’s spirited debates about libertarianism to a festival of Trumpism is nothing short of a political metamorphosis. Once the critics of Trump dominated discussions, claiming he was too controversial for the conservative masses, the tables have turned. Now, Trump is the main course on the CPAC buffet, eclipsing all other political palates. Those who attended in 2015 can surely remember the time he was booed; now, he reigns supreme, causing many to joke that when Trump shows up, everyone else might as well pack it in for the day—because he’s going to steal the spotlight.
CPAC gave President Trump a stage almost 47 days after J6 when many had abandoned him and said he couldn't win.
Many republicans abandoned him while socialists persecuted him.
His return to power is a story for the ages. pic.twitter.com/aNdVcRY0yD
— Matt Schlapp (@mschlapp) February 11, 2025
There used to be a time when CPAC could boast of lively debates over policies, with budding conservatives passionately arguing for or against different tax ideologies. However, those days are gone—much to the chagrin of the old guard who fondly remember when CPAC felt like a battleground of ideas. Now, the atmosphere resembles a farmer’s market more than a political convention, as attendees line up to see what merchandise the conservatives are peddling alongside their ideological wares. The days of spirited discussions have dwindled, replaced by a unified front rallying behind Trump, with the occasional side booth offering kombucha and handcrafted signs.
Chairman Matt Schlapp of the American Conservative Union maintains optimism, brushing aside concerns that MAGA has taken over CPAC like a New York real estate mogul eyeing a hot property. He sees the need for reform within the party, supporting Trump’s strategy of going straight for the controversial topics—essentially creating a political haven where opinions can be shared without the fear of being “canceled.” However, it’s clear that the once-boisterous debates have given way to a cautious dialogue, as participants fear being captured in digital moments that could be made into viral embarrassment.
Despite this significant change in dynamics, Trump remains the glue binding this new iteration of CPAC together. Some attendees express anxiousness about what happens when Trump eventually vacates the White House. The big question looms: who can possibly fill his shoes? Even long-time Democrats admit that Trump has made common-sense solutions feel approachable, proving that even they can’t escape the allure of his straightforwardness, especially when compared to the confusing landscape of the Biden administration. The consistent failures of the left have only amplified Trump’s star power, drawing in even those who would have otherwise stayed firmly planted on the opposite side of the political spectrum.
In a world where political tides can shift like sand, Trump’s ability to elevate the conservative movement and make it desirable can’t be overstated; he has effectively revitalized a segment of American politics that many thought was fading into obscurity. CPAC’s alignment with Trump represents not just a shift in leadership, but a re-establishment of what it means to be a conservative in America today. Whether this is a sustainable strategy for the future remains to be seen, but for now, the MAGA movement is controlling the narrative, selling the message, and perhaps even preparing the next wave of conservative champions—one CPAC at a time.
