At CPAC, a Chill in the Room for Mr. T̄R̄UMP

WASHINGTON — For more than a decade, the Conservative Political Action Conference has functioned as a reliable barometer of the Republican base. It was at CPAC that Donald J. T̄R̄UMP cemented his dominance over the party’s activist wing, drawing raucous applause, commanding straw polls and transforming the gathering into a yearly affirmation of his political strength.

This year, the mood was markedly different.

When Mr. T̄R̄UMP took the stage on Feb. 5, 2026, he entered a hall that had once been his most dependable arena. But as he defended his signature economic policy — a 20 percent universal tariff on imports — the response from the audience was uneven. According to several attendees and video recordings circulated online, pockets of the crowd groaned, some chanted “No more taxes,” and a visible number of participants left before the speech concluded.

Conference organizers did not release official figures on the number of departures, and estimates varied. But multiple journalists in attendance described a steady stream of exits during the middle portion of the address. A snap poll conducted by a conservative media outlet and shared with attendees found that 62 percent of respondents disapproved of the speech, though the methodology and sample size were not publicly detailed.

For a politician who has long measured his influence by the enthusiasm of his crowds, the optics were striking.

A Shift in a Loyal Venue

CPAC has historically been friendly territory for Mr. T̄R̄UMP. Since his first appearance as a presidential candidate in 2016, he has used the conference to test themes, rally activists and project dominance within the Republican Party. In recent years, the event has often resembled a celebration of T̄R̄UMP’S movement, complete with loyalist speakers and merchandise emblazoned with his slogans.

Attendance this year appeared lighter than in previous cycles. Organizers did not provide official year-over-year comparisons, but several longtime participants said the ballroom felt less crowded than in 2025. “It’s not the same energy,” said Mark Reynolds, a conservative activist from Ohio who has attended the conference since 2014. “There’s still support for him, but people are worried about the economy.”

That concern surfaced most clearly when Mr. T̄R̄UMP turned to tariffs. He framed the 20 percent universal tariff as a necessary corrective to what he described as decades of unfair trade practices. “We are rebuilding American manufacturing,” he said. “We are putting American workers first.”

Yet for some in the audience, the message collided with economic realities. While the administration has argued that tariffs would spur domestic production, critics — including some conservative economists — have warned of higher consumer prices and retaliatory measures from trading partners. Recent market volatility and persistent inflation have heightened anxieties among voters, including within the Republican base.

“I support him, but I’m not convinced on tariffs,” said Angela Martinez, a small-business owner from Texas who said she left early. “My costs have gone up, and I need clearer answers.”

Economic Headwinds

The tension at CPAC reflects broader questions facing Mr. T̄R̄UMP as he approaches the 2026 midterm elections. Public polling has shown his approval ratings softening, including among Republican-leaning independents. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found his overall approval in the low 40s, with enthusiasm among strong Republicans dipping modestly compared with last year.

While presidents often face headwinds in midterm cycles, the stakes are particularly high for Mr. T̄R̄UMP. Control of Congress is narrowly divided, and Republican strategists privately acknowledge that turnout among core supporters will be crucial.

“The base has to be energized,” said a Republican campaign adviser who requested anonymity to discuss internal concerns. “If there’s apathy or frustration, that can translate into lower participation.”

The president’s allies have sought to downplay the significance of the CPAC reaction. A spokesperson for Mr. T̄R̄UMP said in a statement that the speech was “well received by thousands of patriots” and dismissed reports of disapproval as “media spin.” The spokesperson added that tariffs are “a cornerstone of the America First agenda” and would ultimately prove beneficial.

Still, some influential figures within conservative media circles acknowledged the subdued tone. Laura Loomer, a prominent activist and longtime supporter of Mr. T̄R̄UMP, posted during the speech that the president had “lost the room” when discussing trade. She later clarified that she remained supportive but believed the economic message required “retooling.”

A Complicated Political Moment

The CPAC episode unfolded against a backdrop of legal and political turbulence for the president. In Washington, Attorney General Merrick Garland recently appointed Jack Smith as special counsel to oversee investigations related to Mr. T̄R̄UMP, citing the “extraordinary nature” of the cases and the need for independence. Mr. Smith, a veteran prosecutor and former acting U.S. attorney, said the inquiries would proceed without delay.

Although the investigations were not a focal point of the CPAC speech, they hover over the administration and contribute to a sense of uncertainty within the party. Congressional Republicans, now in control of the House, have pledged oversight of the Justice Department’s actions, but the special counsel structure limits direct political intervention.

At the same time, some Republican lawmakers have begun to subtly distance themselves from the president’s trade policies. Senator William Carter of Nebraska, whose state’s agricultural sector has been affected by retaliatory tariffs, said in an interview that “we need to evaluate the real-world impact on our producers.”

Such comments underscore the delicate balance facing the party: maintaining loyalty to Mr. T̄R̄UMP while addressing voter concerns about the economy.

The Meaning of Enthusiasm

Political scientists caution against overinterpreting a single event. “Crowd reactions can be symbolic, but they don’t always translate into electoral behavior,” said Dr. Elaine Porter, a professor at Georgetown University. “What matters is whether dissatisfaction persists and whether it affects turnout.”

Yet symbolism has long been central to Mr. T̄R̄UMP’S political identity. He has cultivated an image of commanding loyalty and filling venues with fervent supporters. Rally size and audience enthusiasm have served as shorthand for strength.

If CPAC represents even a modest cooling of that enthusiasm, it raises questions about how the president will recalibrate his message. Advisers say he is likely to double down on economic nationalism, arguing that short-term pain will yield long-term gains. Others suggest he may pivot toward cultural issues that more reliably unify his base.

For now, the images from the conference — applause mixed with visible exits — capture a moment of transition. Whether it proves to be a temporary fluctuation or a deeper shift in Republican politics will become clearer in the months ahead.

As one longtime attendee put it while leaving the convention center: “He’s still the leader of the party. But the party is asking tougher questions.”

With nine months until voters head to the polls, Mr. T̄R̄UMP faces the challenge of answering them.