Thousands of enthusiastic supporters of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement gathered in Texas this week for the CPAC USA convention. Traditionally held near Washington DC, this year’s event was relocated to a grand Gaylord Hotels resort in Dallas, Texas by organizer Matt Schlapp. The venue, reminiscent of a Texas-sized Disney World, featured a massive atrium with a western town replica, model railways, and a captivating ambiance resembling the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
Although rumors of Ted Cruz making a dramatic entrance by parachute were proven false, the absence of Donald Trump, a regular speaker at the event, was notably felt. Attendees, while trying to remain optimistic, couldn’t hide their disappointment at Trump’s absence, with organizers even keeping a slot open in the schedule in hopes of a last-minute appearance.
Interestingly, a significant presence of Iranian delegates was observed at CPAC, likely invited to avoid any divide within the movement over Trump’s stance on Iran. Noteworthy speakers included Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s exiled crown prince, addressing the audience.
The event also saw the recurring presence of Liz Truss, who refrained from engaging with controversial figures this year. Truss positioned herself as a leading figure in the “MEGA – Make England Great Again” movement, drawing parallels to Trump’s leadership.
Furthermore, there was a concerning trend of some attendees taking frivolous British political figures seriously, straying from the traditional support for Nigel Farage. The atmosphere at CPAC seemed more radicalized this year, with a noticeable shift towards embracing individuals associated with the January 6th riots as heroes.
Despite the eccentricities of the event, some familiar aspects remained consistent, such as the lively Australian reception providing a distraction for attendees contemplating their unwavering support for Trump amidst potential conflicts. Liz Truss was reportedly still present at the event, adding to the ongoing intrigue of CPAC.
