Donald Trump Is a Star Among Ultra-Conservatives, But He Faces a New Test
- Former president is a longtime favorite of the far-right event
- DeSantis is skipping CPAC, avoiding confrontation with Trump
Attendees wear shirts supporting former US President Donald Trump during CPAC in National Harbor, Maryland, on March 2.
Photographer: Al Drago/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Vendors are still hawking “Trump 2024” flags and “Let’s Go Brandon” t-shirts. But at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington this year, the crowds are smaller, the marquee speakers are fewer and the “Make America Great Again” vibe is suddenly in doubt.
“I love Donald Trump, no question about it. Big supporter. I got a Trump sign on my lawn just to aggravate my neighbors,” said Frank Mongillo, a New Haven, Connecticut, physician who has attended more than 10 CPACs.