President Donald Trump delivered the closing speech of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 on Saturday at National Harbor, Maryland, marking his influential presence just over a month since taking office for his second term. Trump's address came amid rising controversies tied to his administration's early actions, including the dismantling of USAID and significant federal layoffs.
During his time at CPAC, Trump positioned himself as the central figure among conservatives, addressing concerns about global stability, especially related to the Ukraine conflict. His speech was preceded by various notable appearances from key political figures, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and Argentinian President Javier Milei, who were both reportedly meeting with Trump to discuss international relations.
Highlighting his rapport with global leaders, Duda encouraged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to cooperate with Trump, stating he believes Trump is guided by, "a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace." Trump's ambition to reshape U.S. foreign policy drew attention, especially amid mixed feelings about his administration's approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
The CPAC crowd received Trump's remarks with enthusiasm, particularly when he criticized the Biden administration. Emphasizing his frustrations, Trump asserted, "Every single thing [Biden] touched turned to s---," evoking cheers from the audience. This assertive rhetoric is characteristic of Trump's style, which seems to resonate well with his base.
Adding to the vibrant political atmosphere, the conference saw Vice President JD Vance emerge as the frontrunner for the 2028 presidential bid, garnering around 61% of votes during the straw poll conducted among attendees. Vance's appeal lies within his alignment to Trump's vision, which is reflected by his performance at the conference.
Meanwhile, tech mogul Elon Musk made headlines earlier at CPAC, where he dramatically wielded a chainsaw on stage, metaphorically addressing efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy. This display not only highlighted his unique approach but also solidified his position as one of Trump’s key supporters, as Trump remarked on social media, "Elon is doing a great job. But I would like to see him get more aggressive." The anticipation surrounding Musk's collaboration with the Trump administration under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) continues, as they aim to reshape governmental structures.
At the same time, Trump's relationship with big tech has shifted as he approaches these entities with caution, evidenced by the audience's jeers at references to Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg during the conference. Conservative sentiments remain skeptical about tech giants due to past grievances, including accusations of censorship directed at right-leaning perspectives.
Despite the tensions present, Trump maintained dialogues with high-profile tech executives who had previously sought to mend relations with him. The reception for Musk at CPAC showcased the complicated rapport the MAGA movement has with tech, as Musk received accolades for his contributions to government spending reform, though many attendees still hold grievances against other tech companies.
Critics among the crowd did not spare their sentiments either, with commenters like Mike Davis, noting the donations from tech giants would not warrant leniency under Trump's assertive governance. During panels, messages underlined the necessity for conservatives to remain vigilant against perceived threats from Silicon Valley, reinforcing the notion of maintaining their core values by engaging with alternative platforms.
Trump's closing remarks encapsulated the fervor present at CPAC, and he demonstrated his free-wheeling style by jesting about state politics, such as calling out Maine Governor Janet Mills on her stance against transgender athletes competing in women's sports. With characteristic bravado, Trump pointedly quipped, "You ever see what happens to a woman when a woman boxes a man who transitioned to womanhood? It’s not pretty." His commentary drove home the feeling of ownership over conservative values and issues, seeking to mobilize his supporters for continuing political battles.
The CPAC conference provided not only insights on Trump's political agenda but also revealed the shifting dynamics within conservative America as they gear up for future elections. The reactions from the conference signify the deep-rooted affiliations and debates within the Republican Party, as aspirations for the 2028 frame of the political future start to take shape.
Trump's emphatic presence and the sentiment expressed at CPAC signal not just the immediate trajectories but also the nuances of governing within the conservative faction, showcasing the diverse views held by American conservatives.