Conservatives are gathering for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, amidst open division over President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, a conflict that stands in stark contrast to his "America First" foreign policy pledge. The conference, which begins Wednesday, comes at a politically precarious moment for Trump, whose administration faces scrutiny over the escalating costs and uncertain timeline of the Iran conflict.
Internal Debates Over Iran War
The war has become a flashpoint within the conservative movement, with prominent figures expressing conflicting views. Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump ally, warned on his podcast that prolonged involvement in Iran could alienate conservative voters ahead of the midterms, stating, "We are going to bleed support." Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz has publicly supported Trump’s actions, asserting that the president was "exactly right to act to protect Americans."
"This is obviously going to be a hot topic," said John Gizzi, a CPAC veteran and Newsmax columnist, highlighting the potential for greater U.S. involvement over an uncertain period.
Israel’s Role in the Iran Conflict
The U.S. alliance with Israel against Iran has also sparked debate among conservatives. Former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, who is scheduled to speak at CPAC, has criticized America’s close ties with Israel, a stance echoed by figures like Tucker Carlson. This has drawn criticism from pro-Israel Republicans, who accuse them of antisemitism.
Trump’s Standing Amid Division
Despite these divisions, Trump retains strong support among his base, with 86% of conservatives approving of his job performance in a recent AP-NORC poll. However, concerns over the Iran war, combined with economic anxieties, could pose risks for Republicans in the upcoming midterms. As CPAC convenes, the internal discord underscores the challenges facing the conservative movement as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.