For the first time in nearly a decade, President Donald Trump did not attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas, yet the gathering still centered on his leadership and agenda. Speakers repeatedly called for unity within the conservative movement as it heads into a challenging midterm election season, urging activists to avoid internal divisions and focus on shared goals.

A major point of debate was the president’s handling of the escalating conflict with Iran. While most speakers avoided directly criticizing Trump, some warned that a ground invasion could harm the economy and draw the country into a prolonged conflict. Others argued that any decision on military action ultimately rests with the commander in chief, even as they stressed the need to persuade the public. Supporters of military action, including many Iranian Americans in attendance, expressed strong backing for Trump, chanting 'Thank you, Trump.'

Immigration enforcement drew some of the loudest applause at the conference. Former and current border enforcement officials were celebrated for their roles in urban crackdowns and deportation efforts, despite controversy surrounding past operations. Speakers emphasized that Trump would continue prioritizing border security, framing it as a key achievement and a central issue for upcoming elections.