The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has long been recognized as the largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world. Established over 50 years ago, it has served as a platform for major political figures to address pressing issues and rally support among grassroots conservatives. Historically, CPAC has been characterized by its lively atmosphere, featuring social events and networking opportunities that draw thousands of attendees.
However, the 2026 iteration of CPAC, scheduled to take place in Grapevine, Texas, is experiencing notable challenges. For the first time in a decade, former President Donald Trump will not be attending, a development that has raised eyebrows among attendees and observers alike. This absence is compounded by reports of low attendance and a lack of major speakers, which have led to disappointment among those who have come to expect a robust lineup of conservative leaders.
Matt Schlapp, the CPAC chairman, has acknowledged the difficulties facing the conference, stating, “Nobody can deny that [CPAC] is the center of political gravity.” Despite this assertion, the reality on the ground suggests that the conference is struggling to maintain its relevance in an increasingly competitive landscape, particularly with the rise of organizations like Turning Point USA, which reportedly attracted 30,000 attendees to its national convention.
Critics have pointed to a perceived drift from CPAC’s roots as a conservative policy conference, with some attendees expressing concerns about the direction in which the event is heading. Erick Erickson, a prominent conservative commentator, remarked, “‘C’ in CPAC is now best represented by the world ‘clown’ than as any semblance of a conservative institution.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among conservatives who feel that the conference is losing its focus.
Financially, CPAC has also been in the spotlight, with reports indicating that Matt Schlapp earned over $830,000 in the tax year 2023. Additionally, the organization has faced legal challenges, including a $500,000 settlement related to a sexual misconduct lawsuit involving Schlapp.
As the conference approaches, uncertainties linger regarding the reasons behind the low attendance and the absence of major speakers. Observers are left questioning the future of CPAC as a significant conservative gathering, especially in light of these recent trends. Details remain unconfirmed.
With the midterm elections on the horizon, figures like Enrique Tarrio have emphasized the importance of the conference, stating, “It’s a midterm year.” Yet, the current state of CPAC raises critical questions about its ability to galvanize support and influence the conservative agenda moving forward.
As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on CPAC to see how it navigates these challenges and whether it can reclaim its status as a pivotal event in the conservative calendar.
