CPAC 2026: A Surreal Gathering in Trump's Shadow
The Conservative Political Action Conference, widely known as America's premier pro-Trump festival, convened in Grapevine, Texas, for its 2026 edition with a notable void: the absence of its central figure, Donald Trump. Yet, as The Mirror's deputy political editor discovered, the event lost none of its peculiar energy, brimming with absurdity, controversial figures, and theatrical displays that define the modern conservative movement.
Liz Truss Champions a British Trump Movement
Among the most prominent international attendees was Liz Truss, Britain's former prime minister, whose brief tenure in Downing Street contrasts sharply with her recurring presence at CPAC. Truss used the platform to announce her ambitious "Make England Great Again" initiative, mirroring Trump's iconic slogan. She also revealed plans to launch a UK branch of CPAC scheduled for July. From the main stage, Truss delivered three separate speeches portraying Britain as an Islamist-infested nation undermined by global elites, attributing her political downfall to these forces rather than policy failures.
Mike Lindell's Controversial Campaign and Nazi Dogwhistle Defence
The conference floor featured Mike Lindell, the MyPillow entrepreneur turned conspiracy theorist and current gubernatorial candidate for Minnesota. Lindell, who faces legal battles over election fraud claims, defended an advertisement that reduced pillow prices to $14.88—a number notorious as a white supremacist code. He attributed the figure to Walmart's pricing strategies, dismissing any malicious intent as coincidental. "I didn't know what it means. I still don't," Lindell asserted, shifting blame to media scrutiny.
Proud Boys Shift from Streets to Ballot Boxes
Enrique Tarrio, former chairman of the far-right Proud Boys, highlighted the group's evolution from street protests to political candidacies. Pardoned by Trump after a sedition conviction related to the January 6th Capitol attack, Tarrio noted that many members are now pursuing local offices. He claimed diminished street presence stems from reduced antifa and BLM activities, suggesting their goals align with current administration policies.
Merchandise and Moses: CPAC's Eclectic Offerings
The event's merchandise stands showcased an array of Trump-themed items, from bullet-embedded whisky glasses to grenade-shaped water bottles. Amidst the commercial frenzy, a costumed Moses advocated for teaching the Ten Commandments in schools, arguing their historical significance overrides church-state separation concerns. This blend of commerce and ideology underscored CPAC's unique cultural landscape.
Prepping for Apocalypse: Bulletproof Backpacks and More
A stall dedicated to societal collapse offered satellite phones, faraday bags, and bulletproof backpacks. Vendors noted these items serve dual purposes: preparing for hypothetical disasters and providing protection during school shootings, reflecting a grim preparedness mindset among some attendees.
Iranian Diaspora Dominates CPAC Crowds
In a striking demographic shift, an estimated 40% of Saturday's attendees were of Persian origin, overwhelmingly supporting exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. His speech drew rapturous applause, with pre-revolution Iranian flags momentarily outnumbering MAGA hats. This unexpected turnout prompted observers to question whether the event was "CPAC Texas or CPAC Tehran," highlighting the conference's expanding international appeal.
Despite Trump's physical absence, CPAC 2026 proved that the movement he galvanized continues to thrive through its eclectic mix of politics, conspiracy, and spectacle, ensuring the festival remains a cornerstone of conservative culture.
