Title: Rifts over Iran, but unity for Trump: Takeaways from CPAC 2026
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Dallas this year has been an interesting event to say the least. While President Trump's absence was a notable occurrence, it didn't seem to dampen the spirits of his loyal supporters who gathered for the annual conference. The topic that dominated discussions at CPAC 2026 was undoubtedly the recent U.S. strikes against Iran and its impact on Trump's base.
The decision to strike Iran has caused a rift within President Trump's historically loyal base, with some questioning his actions while others remain steadfast in their support. A recent survey by Pew Research Center found that nearly eight in ten Republicans approve of Trump's handling of the war, but this number drops significantly when looking at younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents - two groups that Trump made gains with in 2024.
The divide within the Republican party over Iran is a significant development considering how crucial these voters were to President Trump's reelection campaign last year. It remains to be seen whether this rift will have long-term implications for his political future, especially if he decides to run again in 2028.
Despite the controversy surrounding the strikes against Iran, CPAC remained true to its roots as a platform for conservative voices and ideas. The conference provided an opportunity for attendees like Jeff Hadley from Raleigh, N.C., who argued that many people feel more confident in Trump's ability to handle conflicts compared to lifelong politicians who follow party rules.
In conclusion, CPAC 2026 was a testament to the enduring loyalty of President Trump's supporters despite recent controversies surrounding his decisions regarding Iran and other issues. While there are clear divisions within his base, particularly among younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents, it is too early to predict how these rifts will impact future elections or political movements. As always, time will tell what the true implications of this year's CPAC conference will be for both President Trump and the Republican party as a whole.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/03/28/nx-s1-5764275/cpac-2026) #rifts
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