Staff Reports
The 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) saw a decline in attendance at many sessions this year due to its overwhelming support for former President Donald Trump. Known for its annual gathering of conservatives to discuss conservative ideals, this year’s CPAC was heavily dominated by Trump supporters, leaving many seats empty at various sessions.
RETRACTED: @CPAC Struggles With Low Attendance In 2024 | The @DailyCaller could not support its central thesis. CPAC says tickets sold out, w/ American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp saying they were “easily double” previous year https://t.co/fy58x0YDZd
— Heartland Journal ™️?️?️?? (@millcreekview) February 26, 2024
Matt Schlapp, the American Conservative Union Chairman and organizer of CPAC, showed his full endorsement of Trump’s presidential candidacy. This zealous support for Trump seemed to have polarized attendees, with some feeling alienated by the conference’s singular focus on the former president.
The event only reached maximum capacity when Trump himself took the stage to address the crowd. Even speeches by international leaders like President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and President Javier Milei of Argentina failed to attract a full audience, highlighting the intense spotlight on Trump throughout the conference.
Despite the lackluster attendance, speakers like Lara Trump, Kari Lake, Mike Lindell, Matt Gaetz, and Stephen Bannon continued to rally for Trump, further solidifying the event as a Trump-centric affair. Many attendees even donned Trump-themed outfits and accessories, showcasing their unwavering support for the former president.
While CPAC conducted a straw poll for attendees to choose Trump’s potential running mate, the preference leaned towards Republican Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. This overwhelming Trump-centric focus seemed to overshadow the traditional inclusive nature of CPAC, causing some to question the event’s direction.
In the midst of a fractured conservative movement, CPAC’s resolute backing of Trump raised eyebrows and stirred debate among attendees. It remains to be seen how future CPAC events will navigate this division and strive to maintain a broader appeal beyond the staunch supporters of the former president.
