Overview
- The Conservative Political Action Conference is underway at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, drawing national and Texas Republican figures and activists.
- President Donald Trump is expected to skip the conference for the first time since 2016, and neither he nor Vice President JD Vance has been announced as a speaker.
- Featured speakers hold conflicting views on the U.S. war in Iran and on ties with Israel, with Steve Bannon warning a prolonged fight could cost Republicans voters.
- Despite wider political strains, Trump retains deep support within the conservative base, with 86% approval in a February AP-NORC poll.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who faces Sen. John Cornyn in a May 26 Senate primary runoff, has a prime speaking slot at CPAC as Cornyn stays away.