CPAC Conference in Orlando Draws Trump Supporters and Conservative Leaders

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) kicked off in Orlando today, drawing hundreds of conservative leaders and Republican activists. The conference, which will run for three days, features speeches, panels and workshops focusing on conservative values and policies.

The conference opened with remarks from former President Donald Trump, who remains hugely influential within the Republican party. Trump received a warm welcome from the crowd, many of whom wore Make America Great Again hats and waved Trump 2024 flags.

Other high profile speakers include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. However, some speakers have faced opposition from certain segments of the crowd. Haley was heckled by Trump supporters after giving her speech, with some shouting “traitor” and “sellout.”

The conference has also been marked by discussions about the future direction of the Republican party. Some attendees have expressed a desire for the party to remain firmly committed to Trump and his policies, while others have called for a broader range of candidates and ideas.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was notably absent from the conference, fueling speculation about his potential candidacy for the 2024 election. However, other possible 2024 candidates, including Cruz and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley, have been prominently featured.

As the conference continues, many observers will be closely watching to see how the Republican party navigates its internal divisions and defines its future path forward.