Staff Reports
President Donald Trump delivered a rousing speech at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), marking his first month back in office with a celebration of his early accomplishments and a fiery critique of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The event, held just outside Washington, D.C., was a showcase of Trump’s signature style: unapologetically bold, combative, and optimistic about the future of the conservative movement. With chants of “USA! USA!” echoing through the venue, Trump made it clear that he sees his administration as the solution to what he described as the chaos left by Biden.
In his address, Trump highlighted his administration’s aggressive efforts to shrink the federal government, boasting about firing thousands of bureaucrats and “dominating” Washington. He framed these actions as necessary to “drain the swamp” and promised to create a “new and enduring political majority” that would shape American politics for generations. Trump also took aim at Biden’s immigration policies, vowing to restore border security and deport criminal illegal aliens. His remarks resonated deeply with the crowd, who view these policies as essential to preserving American sovereignty and safety.
Cultural issues were another focal point of Trump’s speech. He praised conservative governors for standing up against progressive policies, particularly in areas like gender and sports. Trump humorously but pointedly criticized the push for biological males to compete in women’s sports, calling it an affront to fairness and common sense. The crowd’s enthusiastic response underscored the importance of these issues to the conservative base, which sees them as emblematic of broader cultural battles against leftist overreach.
One of the most talked-about moments at CPAC was the straw poll for the 2028 Republican presidential nominee. Vice President J.D. Vance emerged as the overwhelming favorite with 61% support, far outpacing other contenders like Steve Bannon and Ron DeSantis. The results solidified Vance’s status as a rising star within the GOP and a potential heir to Trump’s MAGA movement. While Trump remains the dominant figure in conservative politics, the strong showing for Vance indicates a readiness among Republicans to look toward the future while staying firmly rooted in Trump’s America First agenda.
CPAC 2025 served as both a victory lap for Trump and a rallying cry for conservatives eager to reclaim ground lost during Biden’s presidency. With his approval ratings among attendees at an astonishing 99%, Trump’s influence on the Republican Party is undeniable. His speech not only celebrated early successes but also laid out an ambitious vision for America’s future—one defined by economic strength, cultural renewal, and unwavering patriotism. For conservatives, this year’s CPAC was more than just an event; it was a declaration that the MAGA movement is alive, thriving, and ready to shape the nation for years to come.
