The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) took place in Grapevine, Texas, this year without President Donald Trump, marking his first absence in 15 years. The event, traditionally a major gathering for conservative activists, saw a notable shift in both location and attendance.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp asked attendees if they supported impeachment hearings, prompting a mix of cheers and boos. Schlapp repeated the question, joking about the crowd's reaction and suggesting they needed coffee. Meanwhile, the conference was held in Texas instead of its usual Washington, D.C., location, with lower attendance than in previous years.
Deeper Dive & Context
Trump's Absence and Its Implications
President Trump did not attend CPAC this year, a decision attributed to the ongoing war in Iran. His absence, along with the lack of prominent Trump family members or potential successors like Vice President JD Vance, raised questions about the event's future relevance. Schlapp stated that the move to Texas was intended to better serve the conservative base, as attendees preferred not to be in Washington, D.C.
Crowd Reaction to Impeachment Question
Schlapp's question about impeachment hearings drew a divided response, with some attendees cheering and others booing. The reaction highlighted internal divisions within the conservative movement regarding Trump's political future. Democrats have not yet indicated whether they would pursue impeachment if they regain control of Congress in the midterms.
Event Logistics and Speaker Lineup
The conference was held at the Gaylord Texan hotel and convention center, chosen for its central location and proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. The speaker lineup included lower-profile figures compared to past years, such as a HUD secretary, a HHS official, and a Nigerian lawyer advocating for Christians. Reality TV star Todd Chrisley, recently pardoned by Trump, was also announced as a speaker, though his relevance to the event was unclear.
Attendance and Atmosphere
Attendees noted a smaller crowd compared to previous years, with some expressing disappointment at the lack of high-profile speakers. The event's reduced scale and Trump's absence led to speculation about CPAC's future role in conservative politics.