The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 has kicked off, with Vice President JD Vance taking the stage to reaffirm the Trump administration's stance on immigration and Ukraine. Vance claimed that uncontrolled immigration is the greatest threat to both Europe and the United States, and that the administration is committed to bolstering border security and being more cautious about European military commitments. He also made the extraordinary claim that the month-old administration is on the cusp of ending Europe's bloodiest conflict in decades, suggesting that the US's military commitment to European allies could be contingent on their domestic policies.
The conference has seen a shift in tone and attendance, with nationalist figures such as Steve Bannon, Nigel Farage, and Elon Musk taking center stage. The event has also drawn criticism from European leaders, who have accused the Trump administration of suppressing free speech and "running in fear" from voters' true beliefs. Despite this, the conference has been well-received by thousands of conservatives, who have flocked to CPAC to show their support for the Trump administration's nationalist agenda.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Hungarian member of the European parliament András László defended the Trump administration's stance on European politics, saying that honest discussions are needed, even if they are difficult to have. He also echoed Vance's criticisms of European speech restrictions, saying that freedom of speech needs to be protected. The conference has also seen the presence of prominent European right-wing figures, including Liz Truss, who used her platform to claim that her political failures were actually the fault of shadowy elites.
The Trump administration's policies have been met with dozens of legal challenges, including a preliminary injunction blocking the administration from enforcing an executive order that would have forced three transgender inmates into male prisons. The administration has also cut off funding to organizations that provide pro bono representation and other legal assistance to unaccompanied migrant children, sparking criticism from human rights groups. Despite these challenges, the administration remains committed to its agenda, with Vance saying that the US has the power to push America's cultural identity firmly rightward.
The conference has also seen a focus on the "wins" of the Trump administration, with speakers praising Elon Musk's efforts to cut government spending and reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy. The event has been seen as a victory lap for the Trump administration, which has been able to push through many of its policy changes despite opposition from Democrats and critics. As the conference comes to a close, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration's policies will play out in the coming months and years, but one thing is clear: the debate over immigration, Ukraine, and European politics will continue to be a major issue in American politics.
