MAGA's CPAC 2026 in Texas: A Weird Gathering Without Trump
The annual pilgrimage of Donald Trump's MAGA fanbase to CPAC USA, the American right's biggest convention, took an unusual turn this year. Thousands descended on a Gaylord Hotels resort on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, instead of the usual location near Washington DC. Organiser Matt Schlapp, fed up with the nation's capital, shifted the event, but that was just the beginning of the strangeness.
A Bizarre Venue and Notable Absences
The venue itself was surreal—a massive atrium under a dome reminiscent of The Simpsons Movie, featuring a fake western town with model railways, fountains, and rivers. The entire space smelled like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and many attendees likely never ventured outside during the four-day conference. Rumours that Ted Cruz would parachute through the dome proved false, but they didn't seem entirely far-fetched in this setting.
Most keenly felt was the absence of Donald Trump, who has spoken at CPAC every year for a decade. Organisers held a slot for him until the last minute, hoping he'd change his mind. Attendees put on a brave face, offering excuses like "he has bigger fish to fry" or "there's a war on," but disappointment lingered. This was compounded by Trump speaking at a high-dollar investment forum in Florida for Saudi businessmen, highlighting where his loyal supporters rank in his priorities.
Radical Shifts and International Oddities
The crowd dynamics have shifted dramatically. In previous years, January 6th rioters were grudgingly tolerated, but now they're revered as heroes, receiving standing ovations. This radicalisation reflects the complete "Bannonification" of CPAC, with Steve Bannon trying to reassure attendees of their importance to Trump, though his words fell on somewhat deaf ears.
Internationally, the event felt weirdly diverse. A large Iranian contingent of Shah Restorationists attended, likely invited to avoid the appearance of a split over Trump's Iran war. Their figurehead, Reza Pahlavi, was scheduled to speak. From Britain, Liz Truss returned for a third year, positioning herself as the head of a "MEGA—Make England Great Again" movement, though she avoided a repeat of past gaffes by not interviewing with Bannon.
Misconceptions and Unserious Politics
American attendees showed a troubling fascination with unserious British political figures. Instead of uniformly praising Nigel Farage, many mentioned Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) and even Rupert Lowe, reflecting bizarre misconceptions about Britain as an "authoritarian woke hellscape" overrun by Islamists. Farage himself was conspicuously absent, adding to the event's disjointed feel.
Despite the weirdness, some traditions held. The notoriously rowdy Australian reception provided a distraction, with Liz Truss reportedly still partying late into the night. Yet, beneath the surface, MAGA supporters faced mental gymnastics to justify backing a president who might send their children to defend Iran's Kharg Island. CPAC 2026 was a testament to a movement putting on a brave face while grappling with internal contradictions and a missing leader.
