The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 has kicked off, featuring a star-studded lineup of Republican speakers, including former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Vice President JD Vance. The conference, which runs through Saturday, aims to celebrate Republican national wins and outline the party's agenda for the year. Musk, who is leading Trump's Department of Government Efficiency cost-cutting task force, took the stage with a chain saw, symbolizing his efforts to cut through government bureaucracy. He emphasized the need to restore freedom and opportunity in America, which he believes have been infringed upon by the left.

The conference has seen a range of speakers, including lawmakers, administration officials, business people, and other conservative figures. Rep. James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, discussed the "weaponization of the federal government against its citizens" with Trump counselor Alina Habba. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright talked about breaking down barriers to domestic energy production, citing the 30% rise in electricity prices under the previous administration. Other notable speakers include Florida Sen. Rick Scott, Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt, and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who appeared with Trump's new Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The conference has also had an international flare, with appearances by former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, CPAC Brazil organizer Eduardo Bolsonaro, and Israeli hostage families. Truss praised Trump's efforts to make America great again, saying that patriotic Brits are looking across the ocean in envy. She emphasized the shared problems between the two countries, including mass migration and barriers to energy production. Musk, who has pivoted from being politically neutral to a close ally of Trump, accused the left of infringing on freedoms and decried "cancel culture." He emphasized the need to restore the fundamental elements of what made America great, which is freedom and opportunity.

One of the key issues discussed at the conference is the idea of "DOGE dividends," which involves reimbursing Americans via savings created by Musk's task force. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson poured cold water on the idea, citing the federal government's $36 trillion debt and the need for fiscal responsibility. Despite this, Johnson echoed many of the same sentiments as Vance, Musk, and other speakers about the Republican agenda this year, including taking a "blowtorch" to the regulatory state. The conference will conclude on Saturday with a speech by Trump, who is expected to outline his vision for the country and the party's agenda for the year.

The CPAC conference has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising the party's efforts to outline a clear agenda and others criticizing the tone and rhetoric of the speakers. As the conference comes to a close, it remains to be seen how the Republican party will move forward with its agenda and what impact it will have on the country. Some of the key policy points discussed at the conference include: * Securing the border * Pruning government waste * Unlocking the economy and the "engine of American growth" * Breaking down barriers to domestic energy production * Taking a "blowtorch" to the regulatory state * Implementing "DOGE dividends" to reimburse Americans via savings created by Musk's task force. The conference has highlighted the importance of these issues and the need for the Republican party to take a strong stance on them.