GRAPEVINE, Texas — The annual Conservative Political Action Conference was once known as the top gathering for Republicans. Presidential hopefuls flocked to the conference, as did Republican youth seeking to network with top leaders.
But after a decade of President Donald Trump’s reign, CPAC is losing its cultural relevance with the next generation of social conservatives angry over the Iran war.
The 2026 gathering in Texas, a change from the usual gathering in National Harbor, Maryland, notably lacked several high-profile speakers, including White House officials or congressional leaders. It also lacked a large contingent of young people.
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“I think that maybe it’s for an older audience,” Josiah Baker, 16, from Richmond, Georgia. “I think it’s harder for people my age to come like, by themselves and whatnot, if they’re not with a group of people like I am.”
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche participates in a fireside chat with Matt Schlapp
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