The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025, the prominent annual gathering for conservatives, took place last week at National Harbor, Maryland, drawing attention with its high-profile speakers and discussions on pivotal issues shaping the GOP's future. High-energy presentations and combative statements from various attendees painted a vivid picture of the current right-wing political atmosphere.
Among the notable figures at CPAC was Vice President JD Vance, who emerged as the clear favorite to succeed Donald Trump as the GOP standard bearer according to a recent straw poll conducted at the event. A staggering 61 percent of the 1,022 attendees indicated they would support Vance for future leadership roles, significantly outpacing other contenders. Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, and former Trump attorney John Eastman paired up to push their election fraud theories during their respective speaking slots, stirring partisan passions.
Mike Lindell continued to propagate claims of widespread election fraud, asserting, "I told people before the 2024 election, if they tried to steal it again... we would not have tolerated another stolen election." He urged for all elections to return to paper ballots counted on the same day, arguing, "We now have to make elections great again." Lindell’s reputation as one of the most vocal election deniers was firmly established through connections with individuals like former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, now serving time for her own election-related felonies.
Eastman, who is well-known for his involvement with the infamous "coup memo" advising Mike Pence on how to bypass the elections, added to the charged atmosphere at CPAC. He proclaimed, "If we don’t get to the bottom of what they did and hold the people who did it accountable, they will do it again," echoing sentiments embraced by his supporters. Both Lindell and Eastman generated palpable enthusiasm among the audience, who echoed their calls for electoral reform.
Conversely, Brandon Fellows, whose controversial remarks made waves online, dressed up as ICE during his CPAC appearance. His interview with Jason Selvig from the political comedy duo The Good Liars went viral, garnering millions of views on social media. Fellows, previously pardoned for his involvement in the January 6 insurrection, jested about his costume: "If you want some entertainment, wear this and go to a Home Depot... and you’ll see all the illegals... start to run away," he quipped. His lack of remorse for his actions, alongside the comic relief he attempted to provide, raised eyebrows among viewers and fellow conference-goers alike.
Another notable speaker was Prime Minister Robert Fico, who arrived at CPAC amid allegations surrounding his administration's problematic history. He presented himself as the target of politically motivated persecution, citing investigations against him for alleged corrupt practices. The evidence contradicting his claims, revealed through previous legal cases, was omitted during his presentation. Instead, Fico's narrative focused on victimhood, claiming he was unlawfully surveilled and faced four investigations for upholding "traditional values" and ending the war in Ukraine.
Fico’s attempts to align himself with the conservative values touted at CPAC were instructive of how some foreign figures seek footholds within U.S. political contexts. His speech, crafted to evoke sympathy, diverted attention from the corruption allegations his governance faced, particularly emphasizing his supposed commitment to preserving national integrity.
The crowded CPAC venue buzzed with excitement as attendees engaged with big-name speakers and panel discussions, reflecting the energy fueling the conservative movement. Noteworthy dialogues revolved around expectations for the GOP's future as leaders like Vance emerged as potential successors to Trump's polarizing reign within the party.
Matt Walsh and Jeremy Boreing, prominent figures from The Daily Wire, spoke about incorporating personal values within business frameworks during engaging discussions. Their views underscored the intersection of personal belief and entrepreneurship, encouraging young conservatives like Luke Rexing to discern how values might blend with business dynamics without overt branding as conservative entities.
While the ideological debates at CPAC were sometimes divisive, moments of unity echoed the common goals among attendees—to retain traditional values, strengthen electoral systems, and champion personal freedoms. The stark contrasts among speakers and their views on issues such as election integrity highlighted the complex, yet fervently passionate discussions at play.
The event culminated with Trump expected to provide the closing remarks, maintaining a commanding presence among die-hard supporters. His remarks at CPAC served to reinforce his unshaken dominion over the party even as new contenders like Vance presented themselves as willing heirs to the MAGA movement. The anticipation leading to his speech promised charged final moments to the gathering, setting the stage for subsequent shifts within conservative leadership.
Memories of CPAC 2025 will likely linger, not only for its fervent discourses but for the seismic shifts anticipated within the Republican Party as younger figures begin to carve paths reflective of both tradition and modern conservative ideals.