A generational divide emerged at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas over President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran. Younger conservatives expressed frustration and described the move as a betrayal of Trump’s longstanding promises to avoid foreign entanglements and prioritize America-first policies. Several said the prospect of sending troops to the Middle East has shaken their support and raised fears about prolonged conflict and economic instability.

Older attendees largely defended the president, arguing the military action was a necessary and pragmatic response to longstanding threats from Iran. They suggested Trump was reacting to decades of hostility rather than initiating a new conflict, and maintained that campaign rhetoric must sometimes yield to real-world security challenges.

The split highlights potential political risks for Republicans heading into midterm elections, particularly as they seek to maintain narrow majorities in Congress. Recent polling indicates many Americans believe the military action has been excessive, and some conservative leaders have publicly broken with the administration over the war.

Conference leaders urged unity, warning that internal divisions could weaken the broader conservative movement. Still, conversations among attendees reflected deep unease about where the conflict may lead and whether it could fracture support for Trump among younger voters.