
CPAC · Iran War · Midterm Elections · Republican Party
Conservatives gathered for CPAC in Grapevine, Texas, facing open division over President Donald Trump's war in Iran, with an AP-NORC poll showing 59% of Americans consider the military action excessive, threatening GOP midterm prospects.
The event highlights a perilous political moment for Trump, whose "America First" base is split on foreign intervention, contrasting sharply with a celebratory meeting one year prior. Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, warned on his "War Room" podcast that a "hard slog" in Iran will cost the GOP conservative voters ahead of the midterms, while Texas Sen.
Ted Cruz supports the war. Former Florida Rep.
Matt Gaetz questioned the U.S. military alliance with Israel against Iran, reflecting a broader challenge to conservative foreign policy. Despite these divisions and a recent Democrat flip of a Florida legislative seat, Trump maintains 86% approval among conservatives, according to a February AP-NORC poll.
The unresolved Texas Senate primary between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn also presents a political headache for Trump.
Iran War Divides Conservatives, Threatens GOP Midterms(current)