Generational Divide: Views on the Iran War Emerge Among Conservatives at CPAC

Sun Mar 29 2026 01:22:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), older and younger Republicans express contrasting views on the ongoing Iran War, raising questions about President Trump's control over his base as pressure mounts for a resolution.

The annual CPAC gathering in Texas revealed a notable generational divide among conservatives regarding the Iran War. While older attendees largely support the military efforts, younger conservatives question the motivations and end goals, leaving Trump in a precarious position as he navigates growing dissatisfaction within his party. Concerns about escalating military costs and domestic issues underscore the challenging political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.

A majority of the American public, polls suggest, have been against the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran from the day it started. However, Republicans have largely stuck by their president as the war approaches the end of its fourth week. But that may be changing.

At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, some of the party faithful expressed concern about why the US started this war, how Donald Trump is going to end it, and whether the effort has been worth the costs.

I just wish that there was more transparency on why we're doing what we're doing, that way you could send your loved one overseas and be OK with that, said Samantha Cassell. I hope it comes to an end quick, because it's the cost of living, the oil and gas, the prices are only going to keep going up. Cassell, who lives in Dallas, and her friend Joe Bolick also had their doubts about the war.

CPAC has been a welcoming ground for Trump for a decade, shifting from a libertarian-leaning gathering to one dominated by Make America Great Again loyalists. Even more than a thousand miles from Washington DC, the war in Iran was a common topic of conversation. If there has been a recurring theme among the dozens of people interviewed, it is that the conflict is creating a generational divide within conservative ranks.

While older attendees at CPAC voiced concern and supported Trump's aggressive stance, younger conservatives, like 19-year-old Toby Blair, questioned the purpose of the military intervention. I don't like that it's become America's job to find bad people and get rid of them, he stated, noting that domestic issues should take precedence over foreign conflicts.

Polling data reveals that while 79% of Republicans approve of Trump's handling of the war, only 49% express strong approval, with lesser enthusiasm among the younger demographic. This division raises concerns for Republicans looking ahead to the November midterm congressional elections, particularly as younger voters were key to Trump's previous victory.

As the war continues, the pressure on Trump to pivot away from the conflict is intensifying, and the sentiments expressed at CPAC highlight the challenges he may face in maintaining a united front among his supporters.