For the first time, CPAC will be hosted in Dallas and not Washington, D.C.
Due to the war, President Donald Trump will be unable to attend the nation’s leading Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
According to Time, a White House official said Trump currently has no travel scheduled for the annual gathering, which begins Wednesday at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
The official noted the president's plans could still change at the last minute, Time added.
A White House source later told Newsmax the president is unable to attend CPAC due to a heavy schedule that includes managing the Iran war.
If Trump does not attend, it would mark a rare break from tradition.
CPAC played a key role in building Trump’s MAGA political base.
It was at CPAC meetings that Trump – then a Democrat and TV star – made his pitch to conservatives for his political agenda to make America great again.
Since 2016, when he first ran for president, Trump has been the centerpiece of CPAC — using the stage to energize supporters, define policy priorities, and solidify his influence over the conservative movement.
Over the years, CPAC has evolved into a must-watch event for Trump allies, with his speeches often setting the tone for Republican politics nationwide.
His appearances have frequently drawn large crowds and served as rallying points for the "America First" agenda that reshaped the GOP.
This year's conference comes at a pivotal moment, as the United States approaches one month since joining Israel in a military conflict with Iran.
The escalating situation in the Middle East has dominated headlines, while also prompting debate within Republican circles over foreign policy priorities.
Despite media narratives highlighting internal divisions, polling indicates Trump maintains strong support among his base.
A recent survey found that a significant majority of MAGA voters back his actions against Iran, reinforcing the White House's position that the president's leadership remains widely trusted by conservatives.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back on claims of discord, stating that Americans "trust President Trump as their Commander-in-Chief" and support efforts to counter global threats and protect national security.
Even without Trump physically present, CPAC 2026 is expected to feature a strong lineup of administration officials and prominent conservative voices.
Scheduled speakers include border czar Tom Homan, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, among others.
The conference also comes as Republicans look ahead to key midterm elections later this year, with Texas emerging as a critical battleground.
High-profile races, including a contentious GOP Senate primary runoff, are likely to draw attention from activists gathered at the event.
Trump, meanwhile, is slated to appear at a separate event in Miami tied to international investment, underscoring his continued focus on economic growth and global partnerships.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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