The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has long been recognized as the largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world. Historically, it has served as a platform for major political figures and lively discussions surrounding conservative policies. However, in 2026, the conference is grappling with unprecedented challenges, including low attendance and a lack of major speakers.
For the first time in over a decade, Donald Trump has opted not to attend CPAC, a decision that has raised eyebrows among attendees and observers alike. This absence is particularly striking given Trump’s previous prominence at the event, where he often energized the crowd with his speeches.
Reports indicate that attendance at CPAC 2026 is significantly lower than in previous years, with some attendees expressing disappointment at the conference’s current trajectory. The competition from other conservative gatherings, notably Turning Point USA, has also contributed to this decline, as their recent national convention attracted around 30,000 participants.
Matt Schlapp, the CPAC chairman, has faced scrutiny as well, particularly regarding his substantial salary of $830,000 in the 2023 tax year. Critics argue that the conference has strayed from its roots as a conservative policy forum, with some even suggesting that the ‘C’ in CPAC now stands for ‘clown’ rather than conservatism, as noted by commentator Erick Erickson.
Adding to the controversy, Raheem Kassam described a chaotic atmosphere at the event, recounting incidents of excessive drinking and disorder. “We did an open bar, and within two hours, there were people passed out in the toilets, glass smashed everywhere,” he remarked, highlighting a shift in the conference’s culture.
Despite these challenges, Schlapp maintains that CPAC remains a vital center of political gravity for conservatives. “Nobody can deny that [CPAC] is the center of political gravity,” he stated, attempting to reassure supporters of the conference’s significance.
Looking ahead, the future of CPAC as a prominent conservative gathering appears uncertain. Observers are left to ponder the reasons behind the low attendance and the absence of major speakers, with details remaining unconfirmed. As the landscape of conservative politics evolves, CPAC will need to adapt to maintain its relevance.
