At CPAC, Trump Faces Rare Signs of Dissent From His Own Base

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — For years, the annual gathering of the Conservative Political Action Conference has functioned as a reliable arena of affirmation for former President Donald J. Trump. The applause has been predictable, the chants synchronized, the loyalty largely unquestioned.

On Feb. 13, that pattern showed visible strain.

As Mr. Trump took the stage to defend his administration’s renewed embrace of broad-based tariffs — including a proposed 20 percent measure he described as essential leverage in trade negotiations — the reaction from parts of the crowd diverged from the familiar script. Audible groans punctuated sections of his remarks. At several points, attendees began chanting, “No more taxes,” a phrase widely interpreted as opposition to policies they believe could raise consumer prices.

By the time the speech concluded, a noticeable portion of the audience had exited the venue. Estimates circulating among attendees suggested that roughly 2,000 people left before the event ended. While exact figures are difficult to verify independently, the departures were visible enough to alter the atmosphere inside the conference hall.

Mr. Trump did not leave the stage abruptly. Contrary to some online claims, there was no indication of a security incident or an unfinished address. He completed his remarks in full. But the optics — a thinning audience and dissenting chants during a flagship conservative event — marked a departure from the unbroken adulation that has defined his previous CPAC appearances.

The episode unfolded against a backdrop of mounting political pressures. Mr. Trump’s public approval ratings have declined in recent months, according to several national surveys, and he faces intensifying scrutiny in Washington. Congressional leaders in his own party have expressed frustration over legislative setbacks, while ongoing legal challenges and investigations continue to shape the broader political climate.

Still, CPAC has historically served as a refuge from such headwinds. The conference attracts some of the most ideologically committed activists in the conservative movement — individuals who often travel long distances and pay substantial fees to attend. Dissent in that setting carries symbolic weight.

The flashpoint appeared to center on tariffs, long a cornerstone of Mr. Trump’s economic message. He has consistently framed import duties as instruments of national strength, tools to protect American workers and pressure foreign governments in trade disputes. During his remarks, he reiterated that tariffs were necessary to counter what he described as unfair economic practices abroad.

Yet many economists warn that tariffs can function as indirect taxes, raising costs for businesses and consumers. With inflation remaining a primary concern for voters, some in the audience appeared uneasy with policies they associate with higher prices at grocery stores, gas stations and retail outlets.

Polling conducted among conference attendees and referenced by organizers indicated that a majority of those who remained for the entirety of the speech expressed reservations about the tariff approach. If accurate, that finding would underscore the extent of discomfort even among activists predisposed to support Mr. Trump’s agenda.

There were also murmurs regarding foreign policy. In recent weeks, Mr. Trump has defended a sustained American presence in Venezuela following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro, emphasizing strategic interests including energy access. Some conservatives have voiced skepticism about long-term military deployments abroad, reflecting an ongoing debate within the Republican coalition between interventionist and restraint-oriented factions.

The tension inside the conference hall reflected that broader ideological crosscurrent. What was once a largely unified movement has, in recent years, revealed fissures over economic priorities, foreign engagements and electoral strategy.

Audio from the podium captured Mr. Trump, at one point, appearing to reference “disloyalty” in response to the crowd’s reaction. The remark, though brief, was interpreted by some observers as a window into his view of intra-party dissent. Throughout his political career, Mr. Trump has often framed criticism — even from allies — as a matter of personal allegiance rather than policy disagreement.

Whether the CPAC moment represents a lasting shift or a fleeting episode remains unclear. Political rallies are fluid environments, and conference audiences can be influenced by localized concerns, activist networks or single-issue advocacy groups. A walkout, even a substantial one, does not necessarily translate into electoral realignment.

Yet symbolism matters in politics. CPAC has functioned as a barometer of grassroots conservative sentiment. When applause softens or attendees depart mid-speech, it signals at minimum a recalibration of enthusiasm.

In recent weeks, attendance at several of Mr. Trump’s events has been described by organizers as below expectations, though campaign officials dispute that characterization. The former president continues to command significant support within the Republican electorate, and his ability to mobilize loyal voters has reshaped the party for nearly a decade.

But the images from National Harbor — scattered empty seats, clusters of departing attendees, chants cutting through a prepared speech — offer a snapshot of a coalition in negotiation with itself.

For Mr. Trump, whose political strength has long derived from unwavering backing among his most ardent supporters, the challenge may not be opposition from across the aisle. It may be persuading his own base that his economic and foreign policy choices align with their immediate concerns.

Inside the conference hall, the applause never entirely disappeared. It simply no longer arrived on cue. 📉