general
MAGA anxiety over Iran war at CPAC as Trump skips event
At CPAC near Dallas, Trump skipped the conference amid the Iran war and featured speakers and attendees sharply divided over a possible ground invasion, with political and economic fallout heightening midterm risks.
Mar 29th 2026 · United States
Insights
- Donald Trump did not attend CPAC for the first time in a decade, reportedly because of the war with Iran.
- Speakers at the convention were split over a potential ground invasion, with figures like Erik Prince warning of heavy US losses and others urging restraint.
- Older attendees and Iranian exile supporters were broadly pro-war, while many younger attendees cited fears of a draft and economic harm.
- Prominent Trump loyalists alternated between defending the administration's actions and calling for unity behind the president.
- Rising gas prices and falling approval ratings amid the conflict are increasing political risks for Republicans ahead of the midterms.
- Supporters of Iran's former crown prince Reza Pahlavi were highly visible and received sustained applause at the event.
Sources
- Trump’s Iran war: could Republican rift and Maga discontent doom midterms? www.scmp.com
- Once a foe, Lindsey Graham is now Trump’s biggest Iran war booster: ‘The most pro-war Republican out there’ www.theguardian.com
- ‘It’s biblical’: Maga anxiety over Iran war on display at CPAC as Trump skips event www.theguardian.com