National Harbor, Maryland – The Conservative Political Action Council (CPAC) has long been proud to be at the heart of conservative thinking. For decades, it has been the event of the year for everyone, from college Republicans to television talking heads. Previously served as a hub for young energy in conservative movements, its role may have shifted in Trump’s second term.
Generation Z, or “Zoomer,” born between 1997 and 2012, has unique political characteristics compared to its predecessors. Growing up in the world of social media and online activities, they approach politics with a different lens. They are more likely to reject establishment politics at both ends of the political spectrum. For the CPAC, once considered the most vibrant base gathering of conservative movements, the emergence of MAGA has brought new competitors to pay attention to the right youth.
Turning Point USA, Young America’s Foundation, Future Female Leader, The Liverseble Institute, and Young Americans for Liberty were some of the biggest youth movements in CPAC. The entire venue was once a sea of elephant skirts and “big government sucking” t-shirts. However, this year, youth groups had a seemingly small presence.
National Harbor, Maryland – March 3: Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio (R-) at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in National Harbor, Maryland on March 3, 2016 Members of Turning Point USA dance with cardboard cutouts from FL); The American Conservative Coalition held its annual Conservative Political Action Conference to discuss conservative issues. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The meeting appears to be primarily for Generation X and Baby Boomers. Headlining This year’s CPAC was figures such as Matt Schlap, Kari Lake, Reza Pahlavi, Eric Prince, about 12 members of the Congress, and the Chief of some interesting stories. But despite pulling some well-known speakers (Donald Trump, JD Vance, Elon Musk), the meeting lacked a certain punch with young conservatives who were edgy and attention-grabbing. .
What the conference lacked in “influencers” is one of the top speakers with leaders and critics from the UK, Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, and a clearly notable option, particularly a considerable number of people. It was compensated for in foreign conditions. The “first America” moment between young people.
While Donald Trump’s young people’s approval has skyrocketed since he took office, Zoomer appears to have seen a lesser decline in attendance at CPAC. It should raise some eyebrows. Even JD Vance had sent messages to younger participants during his CPAC speech. “We need you.” But who was he talking to if the average age of attendees seemed easily above 40 years old? (Related: The White House will do Savage Move to keep Gen Z on Maga Train)
This asks for a question: Where are the younger generations?
President Donald Trump attended as he spoke at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Port in Oxon Hill, Maryland on February 22, 2025. listens. (Photo by Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)
It was difficult to ignore the disconnect between conservative old security guards and new generations of voters. And that’s not because young people lack political interest. On the contrary, Zoomers are deeply involved in politics, but their participation occurs more through grassroots organizations than through top-down institutions.
Zoomer is very aware of the power of social media. Viral tweets can have more impact than keynotes. This challenges the status quo and allows younger generations to express concern in ways that traditional forms of CPAC must adapt to competition. As a result, CPAC risks losing influence among young conservatives beginning to build their own paths in the political world. This is especially true as a Zoomer It seems to be all There is more populism than traditional conservatism.
Oxon Hill, Maryland – February 20: Attendance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) hall held at Gaylord National Resort Hotel and Convention Center, held on February 20, 2025 in Oxon Hill, Maryland I’m walking. The annual four-day gathering brings together conservative US lawmakers, international leaders, media personalities and businessmen to discuss and advocate conservative ideas. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Though it’s a major event on a conservative calendar, CPAC certainly has given up some position to its competitors. Organizations like Turning Point USA host “Bang Girls” and Money Cannons, as well as parties with voter turnout of over 20,000 participants, making CPAC seem outdated by comparison. (Rooke: Trump’s secret weapon to win Gen Z from under the nose of political establishment)
CPAC has several speakers that appeal to young people, line up Every year from AmericaFest in Turning Point USA, it features high-energy speakers such as Tucker Carlson, Brett Cooper, Charlie Kirk and Carrey.
The CPAC maintains its place as a key event in the conservative movement, but its work to reestablish itself as a place of encounters for the future ideals of conservatism, rather than a relic of a bygone era. is required.
