CPAC Divided: Trump, War & GOP Tensions

0:00It's March 25th. This has been Cooper News today, AI-powered stories from your city. Conservatives are wrapping up one of their biggest yearly meetings in Great Vine, Texas, right as divisions grow on the right over President Trump's. War in Iran. This comes just a day after a Democrat won a key floor to state seat near Trump's Mar-a-Lago home. Unlike last year, when Trump had lined a big celebration, fresh off his election win, neither he nor vice president JD Vance is speaking this time. Workers at the event include major mega figures with split takes on the conflict. Steve Bannon has warned a long war could cost Republicans voters before the midterms. Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz backs the strikes to protect Americans. Florida representative Matt Gates has criticized close U.S. ties with Israel, echoing some conservative pushback. Trump still holds strong approval from his base, with 86% of conservatives rating his performance positively in a recent poll. Attendees say support for him remains solid among MAGA crowds, but poor messaging on the

1:04war risks mid-turn losses. One Texas representative noted frustration, more with communication than the president himself. The gathering highlights other tensions, like Texas's unresolved Senate primary, Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging Senator John Cornyn, got a top speaking slot, while Cornyn skipped the event. Some urge one to drop out after neither one a majority on March 3rd, but they're headed to a May 26th runoff amid attack ads. These splits a CPAC underscore challenges ahead for Republicans as they navigate war fallout in internal fights.