CPAC 2025 opens with Trump allies celebrating his return to power

Conservative leaders gather in Washington as CPAC highlights Trump’s policies.

Donald Trump speaks at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, on February 24, 2024. Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu

By Widya Putri and Adila Ghina

Newly-energized American conservative leaders and activists are convening near Washington, D.C., for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a three-day event that begins Thursday. The gathering comes at a pivotal moment for the American right, as President Donald Trump’s return to the White House one month ago has reinvigorated his base and spurred sweeping policy changes.

Vice President JD Vance will open CPAC 2025 with a keynote address that is expected to highlight the administration’s early policy shifts and emphasize Trump’s renewed influence on the conservative movement. The event will feature an array of right-wing figures, including international allies such as Argentine President Javier Milei and British political commentator Nigel Farage.

Trump’s swift policy moves energize conservatives

Since his inauguration, Trump has issued a wave of executive orders that align with his campaign promises, focusing on right-wing priorities such as tightening immigration laws and dismantling diversity initiatives in workplaces. His administration’s aggressive policy shifts have been met with enthusiasm among conservatives.

"We conservatives have never been more enthusiastic about the future," said Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, a think tank closely aligned with Trump. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Roberts described CPAC as a “celebration of a new conservative era.”

CPAC, an annual event for decades, has increasingly become a platform for showcasing Trump’s influence over the Republican Party. This year’s edition will feature speeches from key administration officials and congressional allies, including White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump himself is set to deliver a speech on Saturday, marking his first address to CPAC as president since returning to office.

A shift from 2024’s somber tone

The atmosphere at CPAC this year stands in contrast to Trump’s speech at the event in 2024, when he was still a candidate. At that time, he painted a bleak picture of the country under then-President Joe Biden, describing the United States as a "nightmare." Now, with the Republican Party back in control of the executive branch, the tone of the event is expected to be celebratory, with discussions centered on advancing Trump’s agenda.

CPAC’s programming reflects the movement’s combative stance against liberal policies. Panel discussions and roundtables feature titles such as "Nowhere to Run: The Takedown of Left Tech," "BlackRock Life's Matter: Crushing Woke Board Rooms," and "Culture Warriors: Take Your Truce and Shove It." The messaging underscores the right-wing movement’s intent to aggressively counter progressive policies on issues ranging from corporate governance to social and cultural debates.

A global conservative movement gathers at CPAC

CPAC 2025 is also drawing conservative and far-right leaders from across the world, many of whom view Trump’s resurgence as a model for their own political movements. Argentine President Javier Milei, a self-described libertarian, is expected to speak at the event, along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

In addition to national leaders, European right-wing figures such as French politician Jordan Bardella, Britain’s Nigel Farage, and former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki are attending. Many of these figures have aligned themselves with Trump’s nationalist and populist rhetoric, seeking to replicate his political success in their respective countries.

The enthusiasm for Trump’s political brand extends to former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who echoed his campaign slogan in a social media post ahead of CPAC. "Make Great Britain Great Again," she wrote on X, referencing Trump’s "Make America Great Again" mantra. Truss is scheduled to deliver a speech on CPAC’s main stage on Thursday morning.

Trump’s speech to set the tone for the Republican agenda

As the conference builds momentum toward Trump’s headline speech on Saturday, attendees are expected to rally around his vision for the next four years. The event will serve as a platform for outlining the administration’s policy goals, reinforcing its stance against progressive movements, and solidifying Trump’s position as the dominant force in the conservative movement.

With domestic and international conservatives looking to CPAC as a guiding force, the event underscores the extent to which Trump’s return to power is reshaping not only American politics but also right-wing movements worldwide.