The Breakdown 16

• The 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, marked a significant moment for the MAGA movement, notably without the presence of former President Donald Trump for the first time in a decade, due to the ongoing war in Iran.
• A palpable generational divide emerged among attendees; older conservatives largely expressed unwavering support for Trump and his policies, while younger participants voiced concerns over the war's implications and questioned their alignment with his direction.
• The atmosphere at CPAC felt subdued, contrasting sharply with the energizing spirit of previous years, highlighting a growing disconnection between younger conservatives and traditional party leadership.
• The conference showcased vocal Iranian-American supporters who rallied behind the U.S.–Israeli alliance while the war in Iran remained a hot-button issue, provoking mixed feelings among the attendees.
• Prominent GOP figures were notably absent, raising alarm about the party's ability to unify and appeal to an evolving base, particularly younger activists who seek a different political narrative.
• High-profile criticisms, such as those from former Rep. Matt Gaetz, underscored deepening rifts within the MAGA movement regarding foreign policy, loyalty, and the future of conservative engagement in a changing political landscape.