The annual Conservative Political Action Conference has laid bare a rift on the right. Some are asking: “What happened to America First?”

Key Takeaways:

• CPAC serves as a major conservative gathering to set the party’s agenda
• This year’s event revealed a prominent rift on the right
• Many conservatives questioned if “America First” remains a guiding principle
• Iran policy emerged as a key point of contention in the GOP debate
• The article was originally reported by The Wall Street Journal on 2026-03-28

A Rift at CPAC

The annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has long been a stage for Republican leaders and activists to showcase their vision for the party. This year, however, the event made headlines for laying bare a growing divide among conservatives. Many attendees saw the disagreements as symptomatic of shifting priorities within the GOP.

The Question of “America First”

Central to the controversy was the question “What happened to America First?” Originally championed by prominent Republican figures, “America First” became a rallying cry for emphasizing U.S. interests above international commitments. At CPAC, observers noted that while some leaders continued to uphold this principle, others appeared to favor more interventionist policies, spurring debate on the party’s current direction.

Iran and the GOP Divide

One area where this rift stood out most clearly was foreign policy on Iran. As participants grappled with the consequences of either taking a tougher stance or favoring diplomatic engagement, the internal tension highlighted broader questions about how much the GOP should intervene in global affairs. This focal point of disagreement shaped many of the high-profile conversations throughout the conference.

The Road Ahead for Republicans

With conservatives openly clashing over which foreign policy approach best reflects Republican values, it remains unclear if “America First” will continue to unify or divide the party. The CPAC debate underscores that the GOP’s stance on Iran, and foreign policy at large, is far from settled. As leaders determine their priorities, questions about how to reconcile different visions within the party are likely to persist.