National Harbor, MarylandThe Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this past weekend was a spectacle of triumph for former President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Trump, flanked by prominent allies including Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk, declared a new era of conservative dominance, igniting excitement among supporters. Meanwhile, across the Potomac in Washington, D.C., a much quieter gathering of traditional Republicans grappled with their uncertain future.
CPAC: A MAGA Victory Lap
With a crowd roaring in approval, Trump took the stage at CPAC and confidently predicted, “We’re going to forge a new and lasting political majority.” His words resonated with supporters who see his reelection as the ultimate validation of their movement.
The energy in the room was electric. Musk, a key Trump ally and newly appointed head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made headlines by wielding a chainsaw on stage—a dramatic symbol of his aggressive cost-cutting measures. Representative Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), a staunch Trump ally, further fueled the fervor by proclaiming, “We have finally awakened from this woke nightmare, and it is a new day in America.”
The event had the feel of a victory celebration, as Trump supporters—many of whom have felt marginalized—expressed their renewed confidence. Some attendees, like Virginia resident Ronald Wilcox, noted that Trump’s second term has already exceeded their expectations. Vendors at the event sold MAGA merchandise, including sequined jackets priced between $400 and $600, as supporters embraced their movement’s resurgence.
Principles First: GOP Critics Left in the Shadows
While Trump and his allies basked in their political momentum, a starkly different atmosphere permeated the Principles First Summit in Washington, D.C. This gathering of anti-Trump Republicans, right-leaning independents, and disillusioned Democrats was subdued and uncertain.
Former Governors Chris Christie (New Jersey) and Asa Hutchinson (Arkansas) tried to rally the crowd, urging attendees to believe that the GOP could move beyond Trump. However, they acknowledged the difficult reality: Trumpism remains dominant, and they have struggled to find a viable alternative.
Christie, who lost to Trump twice in Republican primaries, argued that the former president’s chaotic leadership would eventually alienate voters. “Everyone’s going to get there at their own pace,” he said, suggesting that public opinion would shift over time.
Elon Musk’s Expanding Role
One of the most significant shifts in Trump’s second presidency is the rise of Elon Musk as a political powerhouse. Appointed to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has taken swift action to implement drastic federal budget cuts. His chainsaw stunt at CPAC symbolized his approach, and his supporters see him as a necessary force to dismantle government bureaucracy.
However, these aggressive cuts have already sparked backlash. Federal employees received emails over the weekend warning that they must justify their work weekly or risk termination. Town hall meetings across the country have seen growing protests, as citizens question the impact of Musk’s initiatives.
Trump’s Base Strengthens, But Resistance Grows
Despite the triumphal atmosphere at CPAC, Trump’s rapid policy shifts and moves to consolidate executive power have drawn criticism. His efforts to neutralize institutional checks and balances have Democrats warning of executive overreach. Even some Republicans privately worry that his aggressive strategies could backfire.
At CPAC, Steve Bannon, a long-time Trump strategist, declared that the movement was entering a phase of “days of thunder,” promising relentless political battles ahead. Bannon’s rhetoric and actions, including a controversial hand gesture that sparked international criticism, have intensified concerns about the far-right influence within Trump’s orbit.
Meanwhile, some CPAC attendees, including those pardoned by Trump after being convicted for participating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, expressed their unwavering support. One individual even carried a copy of his presidential pardon, proudly displaying it to reporters.
The Future of the GOP: A Party Divided
While CPAC attendees exuded confidence in Trump’s leadership, those at the Principles First conference struggled to chart a path forward. Billionaire investor Mark Cuban, a prominent critic of Trump, suggested that the former president’s own actions might be his undoing. “The only person who can convince a Donald Trump supporter to not support Donald Trump is Donald Trump,” he stated.
Others, like former GOP consultant Julie Lind, questioned whether they even belonged in today’s Republican Party. “The longtime principles of the Republican Party, I still believe in those,” she said. “But because the chosen leader does not adhere to any of them, I have to decide—am I a Republican, or am I just a conservative?”
Some anti-Trump conservatives remain hopeful that a new leader will emerge post-Trump, but they acknowledge that the former president’s grip on the party remains ironclad—for now.
As Trump moves full speed ahead with his policy agenda, traditional Republicans are left searching for answers. The divide within the GOP has never been starker, with one faction celebrating an era of disruption and dominance, while the other seeks a return to more conventional conservatism.
Whether Trump’s aggressive approach will cement his legacy or eventually fracture his coalition remains to be seen. But for now, CPAC’s message was clear: Trump’s MAGA movement is stronger than ever, and those who oppose it are struggling to keep up.
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