Former President Donald Trump will miss the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) for the first time in a decade. This year’s event takes place from Thursday to Saturday, coinciding with a national protest called “No Kings” aimed at expressing dissent against Trump.
Trump’s Engagement at the Future Investment Initiative
On Saturday, Trump is scheduled to speak at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Miami, Florida. This will happen on the same day as CPAC’s final event. Last year, Saudi Arabia committed to investing $1 trillion in the U.S., highlighting ongoing financial ties.
Political Context of CPAC 2023
The CPAC gathering comes at a critical time for Republicans. With upcoming midterm elections in November, controlling the House and Senate is a key priority. Texas, the host state for CPAC this year, is identified as a potential battleground.
Republican Primary Runoff
Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in the upcoming Republican primary runoff on May 26. The runoff is between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The race has become increasingly contentious.
Conference Lineup
Despite Trump’s absence, this year’s CPAC will still feature notable speakers from the Trump administration and his allies. Key participants include:
- Border Czar Tom Homan
- Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins
- HUD Secretary Scott Turner
- CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz
- Drug Czar Sara Carter
- Special Envoy Richard Grenell
Even without Trump’s leadership, the conference is poised to maintain significant enthusiasm among attendees.
