The 2026 Conservative Political Action Conference highlighted President Donald Trump’s continued influence within the conservative movement. Trump’s approval rating emerged as the leading sentiment, with 96% of more than 1,600 attendees approving of his performance. Furthermore, 94% of respondents stated Trump is the best president in their lifetime, reflecting overwhelming support across all major conservative demographics.
Additionally, the survey revealed strong backing for key parts of Trump’s policy agenda, including tariffs and foreign policy actions. About 91% of attendees supported tariffs designed to reduce the trade deficit and boost American workers. Moreover, 89% endorsed Trump’s military actions in Iran, including measures to halt the country’s nuclear program. Similarly, 92% of respondents approved the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, demonstrating broad agreement with Trump’s international strategies.
Other Republican leaders also received high marks among CPAC attendees. Vice President JD Vance earned a 92% approval rating, while House Speaker Mike Johnson received 84%. Senate Majority Leader John Thune trailed with 57% support, showing lower enthusiasm among participants. Within the Cabinet, Secretary of State Marco Rubio ranked as the most popular leader, followed by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard earned notable mentions for their perceived effectiveness.
The survey also included a hypothetical look at the GOP’s 2028 primary race. Vance led with 53% support, while Rubio followed at 35%, with all other candidates in single digits. On the Democratic side, California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were considered the most articulate political figures. These insights offer an early view of the partisan preferences among politically engaged conservatives.
Founded in 1964, CPAC remains the nation’s oldest conservative grassroots gathering, promoting principles of life, liberty, and property. Among survey participants, 86% were from the South, and the average age was approximately 49 years. Overall, the results underscore Trump’s enduring influence and the conservative movement’s strong alignment with his agenda, demonstrating continued support for his policies, leadership, and vision for America.
