Thousands of Donald Trump supporters gathered in Texas this week for CPAC USA, the largest convention of the American right. Unlike previous years held near Washington DC, this time the event took place at a massive resort in Dallas, Texas, with an impressive atrium resembling a scene from a theme park.
Despite the grandeur of the venue, attendees noted the absence of Donald Trump, who had been a regular speaker at the event for the past decade. Speculations about his potential last-minute appearance lingered until the last minute, leaving organizers and supporters somewhat disheartened.
Interestingly, a significant presence of Iranian attendees, particularly Shah Restorationists, added a unique dynamic to the convention. Notable figures like Liz Truss also made appearances, with Truss positioning herself as a key figure in the “MEGA – Make England Great Again” movement.
The crowd’s composition seemed different this year, with a noticeable shift towards embracing January 6th rioters as heroes, marking a concerning trend of radicalization within the audience. Despite the unconventional atmosphere, some traditions, like the lively Australian reception, continued, providing a distraction for attendees amidst the unfolding dynamics of the event.
As the convention progressed, the evolving landscape of CPAC reflected changing sentiments and allegiances within the conservative movement, setting the stage for intriguing developments in the political sphere.