Search Results

For conservatives across America, few issues are more pressing in 2025 than the need to extend and make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a panel discussion titled Keeping More of What You Earn: Trump’s Tax Cuts for America  addressed this critical issue. Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes, the panel featured insights from Andrew Langer , Director of the Center for Regulatory Freedom at CPAC; Pete Sepp , President of the National Taxpayers Union; and Sandra Asuncion , Government Affairs Director at the American Principles Project. The discussion underscored the necessity of extending the TCJA before its key provisions expire on December 31, 2025 , and the risks of negotiating away essential tax relief measures in the reconciliation process. Why the TCJA Matters for American Families and Businesses Sandra Asuncion opened the discussion by highlighting how the TCJA significantly benefited working families. She pointed out that the child tax credit doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 , standard deductions increased, and tax rates were cut across the board—providing the average American an additional $1,400 in take-home income  annually. She emphasized that a failure to extend these provisions would lead to a significant financial burden on millions of Americans , particularly those already struggling with inflation and rising costs of living. Andrew Langer focused on the business impact of the TCJA , explaining that the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%  led to increased business investment, job creation, and wage growth. He noted that many small businesses took advantage of the 20% pass-through deduction , allowing entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses and their employees. If Congress fails to act, these businesses will face higher tax burdens, stifling innovation and economic growth. Pete Sepp detailed why the TCJA was temporary, explaining that it was passed under budget reconciliation rules , meaning key provisions had to expire after ten years unless extended. He warned that if the tax cuts are not renewed, individual tax rates will revert to their pre-2017 levels , leading to a massive tax hike for middle-class Americans. The Economic Risks of Letting the TCJA Expire The panelists all agreed that failing to extend the TCJA would be economically disastrous : For individuals:  Every tax bracket would increase, leaving families with less disposable income and increasing their financial strain. For businesses:  Corporate tax rate hikes and the loss of small business deductions would result in reduced hiring, layoffs, and higher prices for consumers. For the economy:  A recent National Association of Manufacturers study  found that failing to extend the TCJA would cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion in lost GDP and 5.9 million fewer jobs. Sandra Asuncion warned that while many Americans do not realize the tax cuts are set to expire , they will feel the impact in early 2026  when they file their tax returns. She called on conservatives to raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to act. The Role of Budget Reconciliation in Extending the TCJA Andrew Langer and Pete Sepp addressed the political strategy  for extending the tax cuts, specifically through budget reconciliation . Since Republicans control both chambers of Congress, reconciliation would allow them to extend the TCJA with a simple majority vote, avoiding a Democratic filibuster . However, both panelists warned that some lawmakers may seek to compromise by rolling back key provisions  to gain bipartisan support. Dangerous concessions could include: Raising the corporate tax rate above 21% , hurting American businesses and workers. Weakening or eliminating the small business 20% deduction , increasing taxes on millions of entrepreneurs. Rolling back the R&D tax credit , harming U.S. innovation and global competitiveness. Reducing the scope of the Child Tax Credit , taking thousands of dollars away from families. The panel strongly advised against these compromises, arguing that Republicans should not negotiate away tax relief that has fueled economic growth . Debunking the Myth: Did the TCJA Increase the Deficit? A common criticism of the TCJA is that it increased the deficit. However, Pete Sepp refuted this claim, stating that federal revenues actually increased after the passage of the TCJA . He emphasized that the real issue is out-of-control government spending—not tax cuts. In 2024, the federal government collected over $5 trillion in revenue , yet Congress continued to spend at record levels, with a budget exceeding $7 trillion . Sepp argued that rather than raising taxes, lawmakers should focus on cutting unnecessary government spending and prioritizing fiscal responsibility. What Conservatives Can Do to Protect the TCJA The panel concluded with a call to action , urging conservatives to mobilize support for the TCJA’s extension. Pete Sepp emphasized that lawmakers need to hear from their constituents now , before negotiations are finalized. He encouraged attendees to: Call and email their representatives  to demand tax certainty. Spread awareness  about the impending tax hikes. Support advocacy groups  fighting to keep the TCJA in place. Sandra Asuncion stressed that 94% of Americans are unaware  that the TCJA will expire soon, but 100% will feel the impact if nothing is done. She urged conservative activists to educate their communities and hold Congress accountable . Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now The 2025 CPAC tax panel made it clear: Congress must extend and make permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent a devastating tax increase on American families and businesses . The panelists provided compelling evidence that the TCJA has fueled economic growth, increased wages, and strengthened small businesses. However, they also warned that the fight is far from over—conservatives must push back against compromises that would water down the effectiveness of the tax cuts . With millions of jobs and trillions of dollars in economic activity at stake, Republicans must prioritize tax relief and economic certainty . The future of the U.S. economy depends on it.

For decades, conservatives have focused on spending cuts, tax reform, and budgetary discipline as the primary levers to rein in the federal deficit and drive economic growth. However, one of the most significant, yet frequently overlooked, factors affecting both federal spending and economic performance is regulation . Regulations don’t just impose compliance costs on businesses; they also have profound fiscal consequences for government spending, procurement, and revenue collection . During a recent episode of my Federal Newswire Lunch Hour podcast , AFPI's Matthew Jensen and I discussed the fiscal burden of regulatory overreach  and how deregulation can be a powerful tool for deficit reduction. More importantly, we explored how Congressional reconciliation  presents a unique opportunity to roll back costly regulations while achieving spending reductions. The Fiscal Cost of Overregulation When people talk about regulations, they often focus on how they increase compliance costs for businesses, slow job growth, and hinder innovation . What’s often ignored is the fact that federal regulations impose direct costs on government spending . Agencies must enforce and oversee  these rules, which means hiring more bureaucrats, developing new reporting systems, and allocating resources to compliance and enforcement efforts. The Biden administration’s unprecedented regulatory expansion  has compounded these costs, driving federal outlays even higher. During our conversation, Jensen agreed with the CPAC Center for Regulatory Freedom's assessment that federal regulatory costs have doubled from $2.25 trillion to over $4 trillion annually  under the Biden administration. That’s a massive drain on the economy, and a significant portion of this burden falls on the federal budget itself . Regulatory requirements drive up the cost of government procurement, inflate entitlement expenditures, and reduce economic activity that would otherwise generate tax revenue. Regulation and the Federal Deficit At a time when federal spending continues to outpace revenues , cutting unnecessary regulations can provide a much-needed fiscal boost. Currently, the federal government collects around $5 trillion annually in revenue  but spends over $7 trillion , creating a $2 trillion deficit  that will only grow larger if spending isn’t brought under control. Eliminating costly and redundant regulations can have two immediate effects : Reduce direct government spending  – Fewer regulations mean fewer bureaucrats needed to enforce them, lower procurement costs, and streamlined government operations. Boost revenue through economic growth  – Cutting excessive regulations spurs job creation, innovation, and investment, leading to higher tax revenues without raising rates. Using the Reconciliation Process to Achieve Regulatory Reform A major takeaway from our discussion was how budget reconciliation  can serve as a vehicle for meaningful regulatory reform . Reconciliation is a powerful legislative tool  that allows Congress to pass budget-related measures with a simple majority vote , bypassing the filibuster in the Senate. Traditionally, reconciliation has been used to address tax and spending policies , but as there is a strong case for including regulatory rollbacks in future reconciliation bills . Here’s why: Regulations impose direct fiscal costs  by increasing government spending—making them budgetary in nature . The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)  should be tasked with evaluating the fiscal impact of regulations , providing data that supports their inclusion in reconciliation efforts. Deregulation stimulates economic growth , which directly affects federal revenues—a clear budgetary consideration. The Opportunity for a Pro-Growth, Pro-Taxpayer Agenda With President Trump back in the White House and a Republican-controlled Congress, there is an unprecedented opportunity  to use reconciliation to not only extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)  but also pursue aggressive deregulation . Trump’s second term has been framed around cutting red tape, reducing regulatory burdens, and unleashing economic potential . The same reconciliation bill that extends tax cuts can and should include provisions to eliminate wasteful regulations . Key Deregulatory Priorities for Congress Eliminating Outdated and Costly Regulations  – Many regulations currently on the books were upheld under the old Chevron deference standard , which allowed federal agencies broad discretion  in interpreting laws. Now that Chevron is being reconsidered by the courts, it is time for Congress to revisit and repeal regulations that lack a strong statutory foundation . Reducing Regulatory Dark Matter  – Trump’s first term took significant steps toward limiting the impact of so-called “regulatory dark matter” —guidance documents, memos, and informal agency rules that have the force of law but bypass Congressional oversight. Congress should codify Trump’s reforms into law  to permanently restrain bureaucratic overreach. Streamlining Environmental Permitting  – Major infrastructure projects have been stalled due to excessive environmental regulations. Congress should use reconciliation to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)  and related statutes that create unnecessary delays and increase costs. Aligning Regulatory Cuts with Fiscal Goals  – Congress should mandate that OMB include cost-benefit analyses of regulations in budget reports . This would make it easier to identify and repeal rules that drive up federal spending . Research from AFPI and the Case for Action An incredibly important and helpful development in the push for regulatory reform is the fiscal modeling work  being done at AFPI’s Center for American Prosperity . Matthew Jensen and his colleagues have developed new methodologies to quantify the exact fiscal impact of regulations , making it easier for lawmakers to justify including deregulation in reconciliation packages. This research has already provided compelling evidence  that cutting excessive regulations could shrink the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade —all without raising taxes or cutting essential services. Deregulation is not just about reducing bureaucracy , but also about reducing government waste and improving budgetary efficiency . A Path Forward As Congress prepares its next reconciliation package , conservatives must ensure that regulatory reform is front and center . Eliminating wasteful regulations is one of the most effective ways to reduce federal spending, shrink the deficit, and grow the economy —all while restoring individual liberty  and reducing government interference in the private sector . The Biden administration left us with an unprecedented regulatory state , one that has doubled in cost and is dragging down economic productivity. Now is the time to reverse course . By using the reconciliation process to pair tax relief with targeted deregulation , conservatives can deliver real results  for American families, businesses, and taxpayers. Conservative scholars have provided the research and framework  necessary to make this happen. Now, it’s up to Congressional leaders to seize this opportunity  and enshrine pro-growth, pro-taxpayer policies into law . If they do, they won’t just be cutting taxes or balancing the budget—they’ll be restoring America’s economic freedom  for generations to come.

You don’t have to experience CPAC just once a year at the annual conference. With CPAC Circle Memberships, you will be part of the CPAC experience all year-round, 365 days a year.   Circle Members are integral supporters of CPAC’s work to defend freedom and your constitutional rights. They become part of the CPAC family and stay the most up-to-date on our efforts to combat communism and globalism around the world. Circle members have the opportunity to participate in special events, such as, the annual CPAC summit, movie premieres, like last year’s God’s Not Dead and Average Joe premieres, and more.   As a Circle Member, you not only contribute to the fight for freedom but you also gain a whole, supportive community who is right there in the fight with you. It’s good to know you’re not alone!   Explore the options for Circle Memberships today at CPAC.org/circle .

CPAC 2025 was a bonanza of incredible speeches and panels, rich networking, and all-around conservative exuberance. The air was permeated by a sense of optimism, as the victory of President Trump has brought so many of CPAC’s core issues to the forefront of public consciousness. In recent months, President Trump has appointed many longstanding CPAC friends to positions in his administration, and this conference highlighted the dawn of this exciting new era in American politics. In my role as Senior Fellow for Israel & Jewish Affairs, I am tasked with serving as the bridge between the American Jewish conservative community and CPAC, as well as connecting CPAC with conservative voices in Israel. This year, Jewish involvement in CPAC reached record levels, and a larger-than-ever delegation of Israeli conservatives joined their counterparts from many other countries in participating in the conference. Arguably the most moving element of CPAC was seeing the wall-to-wall embrace of Israeli hostage families by speakers and attendees at the conference. These brave family members spoke on the main stage in an emotional conversation with Mercedes Schlapp ( video ). They also were acknowledged by numerous speakers, including Vice President JD Vance and President Trump ( Video ). They were swarmed by rank and file CPAC attendees who hugged them, prayed with them, and offered them comfort and support. The CPAC International Summit which convened the night before the conference formally opened, also began with a prayer led by Gal Gilboa Dalal, brother of hostage Guy Dalal. Speaking of the International Summit, Israeli Cabinet Minister Amichai Chikli joined counterparts from around the world in representing the conservative movements in their countries. At the end of the summit, CPAC Board member and former Deputy National Security Advisor KT McFarland read out loud a resolution on Israel, which was unanimously adopted by those present. This resolution (video  here ), made waves in Israel for being a significant statement of solidarity and for calling for Israeli sovereignty in Judea & Samaria (link here .) Minister Chikli also spoke about Antisemitism in a main stage conversation with Josh Hammer. See this link for an excellent video montage made by Chikli’s team about CPAC. Additional members of the Israeli delegation who spoke at breakout sessions were: Education Minister Yoav Kisch; members of the Israeli parliament Simcha Rothman and Ohad Tal, and Governor Yisrael Gantz. On Friday night and Saturday, 175 participants attended the Shabbat program at CPAC. Aside from the Israeli notables, the following other visitors attended: Mark Levin, Matt & Mercedes Schlapp, Sebastian Gorka, RNC Chair Michael Whatley, Sarah Carter, GA Attorney General Chris Carr, journalist Katie Pavlich, and many others. Shabbat candles were lit on Friday evening in a moving musical ceremony with the Israeli hostage families.  In short, under the leadership of Matt & Mercedes Schlapp CPAC 2025 sent a robust message of support for Israel to the thousands of CPAC attendees. Additionally, the  growing community of Jewish conservatives here in the United States were embraced and welcomed.

This week, the Coalition Against Socialized Medicine (CASM), a leading alliance of conservative and free-market organizations, made a decisive call to action by sending a letter to congressional leadership urging the passage of the Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures (EPIC) Act. In their letter, addressed to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, CASM emphasized the urgent need to repeal the Biden administration’s so-called “Pill Penalty,” a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that has led to increased drug costs, fewer treatment options, and stifled medical innovation. The EPIC Act, introduced by Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D., Don Davis, and Richard Hudson, aims to counteract the harmful effects of the IRA’s government-imposed drug price controls by restoring free-market incentives for pharmaceutical research and development. CASM’s advocacy for this legislation underscores the broader conservative push against federal overreach and market intervention in the healthcare industry. The Biden Pill Penalty: A Threat to Patients and Innovation In its letter to Congress, CASM did not mince words in condemning the IRA’s impact on Medicare and the pharmaceutical market. The coalition warned that the Biden administration’s so-called “negotiation” program for drug pricing is, in reality, an arbitrary government-imposed price-setting scheme that restricts patient choice, drives up Medicare Part D premiums, and discourages investment in groundbreaking medical treatments. According to CASM, Medicare Part D premiums surged by more than 21% between 2023 and 2024 due to the IRA’s price controls, while the number of available prescription drug plans has dwindled to less than half of what was available when the program first launched. The result? American seniors are paying more for fewer options at the pharmacy counter. Perhaps most alarming, the IRA’s provisions actively discourage investment in small-molecule drugs, which are often taken in pill form and provide essential treatments for millions of patients. The IRA’s policy skews incentives in favor of complex biologic drugs, limiting future pharmaceutical breakthroughs and jeopardizing America’s long-held leadership in medical innovation. The EPIC Act: A Necessary Course Correction CASM is making the case that the EPIC Act is the first essential step in reversing the IRA’s damage and restoring free-market principles to the healthcare sector. By repealing the Biden Pill Penalty, the legislation would eliminate the federal government’s preferential treatment of one class of drugs over another, ensuring that research and development decisions are driven by medical necessity rather than bureaucratic manipulation. “The IRA’s price controls represent central economic planning at its worst,” said CASM Executive Director Andrew Langer in a statement accompanying the coalition’s letter. “Government intervention in the marketplace has never resulted in lower costs or better outcomes for patients—only reduced innovation and economic decline. The EPIC Act is a crucial step in preserving America’s leadership in medical research and ensuring that patients continue to benefit from the latest life-saving treatments.” A Broader Fight Against Socialized Medicine CASM’s advocacy for the EPIC Act fits into a larger conservative effort to push back against what it sees as creeping socialized medicine in America. The coalition, which includes organizations such as the Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), the Center for Individual Freedom, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, has long been vocal in its opposition to government intervention in the healthcare market. The coalition argues that price controls, like those imposed under the IRA, inevitably lead to supply shortages, reduced investment in cutting-edge treatments, and ultimately, worse outcomes for patients. Instead of relying on heavy-handed regulation, CASM supports market-driven solutions that foster competition, expand consumer choice, and incentivize pharmaceutical innovation. What’s Next? As lawmakers consider budget reconciliation this spring, CASM is urging them to include the EPIC Act as a critical measure to reverse the damage caused by the Biden Pill Penalty. The coalition’s letter to congressional leaders is part of a broader campaign to mobilize grassroots support for the bill, encouraging lawmakers to stand against government overreach in healthcare. With healthcare costs continuing to rise and innovation under threat, the stakes could not be higher. CASM and its allies are committed to ensuring that the EPIC Act gains the support it needs to pass, restoring free-market principles and protecting American patients from the unintended consequences of government price controls.

CPAC 2025 Health Care Panel: (L to R) Jerry Rogers, Real Clear Health; Andrew Langer, CPAC/CASM; Steve Moore, Unleash Prosperity; Phil Kerpen, American Commitment The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 showcased intense discussions on some of the most pressing issues in America today. Among them were three panels that delved deep into the impacts of government overreach: the Regulatory Panel , the Health Care Reform Panel , and the HHS/FDA Politicization of Nutrition Guidelines Panel . Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes and Jerry Rogers, these panels brought together top policy experts and analysts to expose the hidden costs of regulatory burdens, the flaws in America’s health care system, and the dangers of ideological influence in nutrition policies. Regulation: The Unchecked Power of Bureaucracy Moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes , the Regulatory Panel  featured Andrew Langer (CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom), Wayne Crews (Competitive Enterprise Institute), and Matthew Jensen (America First Policy Institute) . The discussion focused on the growing power of unelected bureaucrats and the urgent need to rein in regulatory overreach. One of the most alarming points discussed was the concept of "regulatory dark matter" , a term coined by Wayne Crews. This refers to the vast number of rules, guidance documents, and interpretations that agencies impose without congressional oversight. These regulations act as de facto laws, burdening businesses and individuals with compliance costs that can reach $2 trillion to $4 trillion annually . Andrew Langer emphasized how the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Chevron Doctrine  provides an opportunity to shift power back to Congress. The doctrine had allowed federal agencies to interpret vague laws as they saw fit, leading to massive expansions of regulatory power. With its reversal, Congress now has the responsibility to reclaim its legislative authority. Langer also emphasized the importance of understanding that while tariffs have an economic impact, the economic impact of regulations is far deeper, and that on-balance, the implementation of tariffs would have negligible economic impact if regulatory costs to the economy were kept in check. Matthew Jensen highlighted how regulatory burdens stifle small businesses and innovation. Unlike large corporations, startups lack the legal teams necessary to navigate complex regulations, leading to reduced competition and economic stagnation . The panelists also warned about "midnight regulations" , last-minute rulemaking by outgoing administrations, which could be difficult to overturn. Proposals for reform included automatic sunsetting of regulations  and requiring agencies to justify their existence periodically. The panelists stressed that deregulation should not be seen as merely a partisan effort, but as a necessary step to restore economic freedom and constitutional governance . Health Care Reform: Exposing Price Controls and Foreign Exploitation of U.S. Innovation The Health Care Reform Panel , moderated by Jerry Rogers (Real Clear Health) , featured Andrew Langer (this time speaking for the Coalition Against Socialized Medicine), Steve Moore (Unleash Prosperity), and Phil Kerpen (American Commitment) . The discussion centered on health care transparency, foreign exploitation of American pharmaceutical innovation, and the harmful effects of price controls. Steve Moore opened the discussion by pointing out that 18 of the last 20 major medical innovations  originated in the U.S., yet foreign countries benefit from them without contributing fairly to research and development costs. American consumers and taxpayers foot the bill while nations with socialized medicine impose compulsory licensing and price caps , creating an unfair system where Americans pay more for drugs. Phil Kerpen highlighted the disastrous effects of the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug price controls , which have stifled innovation and led to unintended consequences . One example is the so-called "pill penalty" , where the government imposes harsher price controls on oral medications than on injectable drugs . This has created a perverse incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop more injectable medications, even though patients overwhelmingly prefer oral treatments. Andrew Langer added that the Biden administration attempted to seize pharmaceutical patents under "march-in rights" , a policy pushed by progressives to force price reductions. This, he argued, destroys the incentive to innovate , leading to fewer life-saving drugs. A solution proposed was the EPIC Act , which aims to correct the pill penalty by ensuring oral medications receive the same protection from price controls as injectable treatments. The panelists stressed that health care reform should focus on expanding competition, increasing transparency, and eliminating bureaucratic price-fixing mechanisms that distort markets and harm consumers . HHS and FDA: The Politicization of Nutrition Guidelines The final panel, also moderated by Scottie Nell Hughes , tackled the politicization of nutrition guidelines by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Panelists included Andrew Langer again, Guy Bentley (Reason Foundation), and Gabriella Hoffman (Independent Women's Forum) . The panel focused on the proposed revision to U.S. Dietary Guidelines for 2025-2030 , which suggests that no level of alcohol consumption is safe , recommending Americans limit themselves to one drink per week . This is a drastic shift from the previous guidelines, which allowed moderate consumption (one drink per day for women, two for men). Guy Bentley criticized the proposal, arguing that it lacks scientific consensus and cherry-picks studies  to fit a predetermined ideological agenda. He pointed out that research from Harvard and other reputable institutions contradicts the notion that all alcohol consumption is harmful. Historically, moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to positive health outcomes , particularly in heart health. Gabriella Hoffman discussed how nutrition policy is increasingly being driven by climate ideology , rather than sound science. She warned that plant-based diet mandates and restrictions on meat consumption  are being pushed under the guise of environmental sustainability. This approach, she argued, ignores the regenerative role of livestock in agriculture  and dismisses the importance of dietary freedom. Andrew Langer emphasized the lack of transparency in the dietary guideline review process , with many committee members having documented anti-alcohol biases and even foreign affiliations . The panelists agreed that regulatory agencies should be held accountable to scientific rigor, public input, and transparency , rather than being influenced by political and ideological agendas. Conclusion: A Call for Regulatory Accountability and Personal Freedom The CPAC 2025 panels made one thing abundantly clear: government overreach is a growing threat to personal freedom, economic innovation, and scientific integrity . Whether in regulations, health care policy, or nutrition guidelines , unelected bureaucrats continue to exert influence in ways that limit choice, increase costs, and erode public trust . Key takeaways from the panels include: The need to curtail regulatory dark matter  and ensure Congress—not agencies—makes the law. Fighting foreign freeloading on American medical innovation  and repealing harmful price controls that reduce incentives for new treatments . Keeping ideological influence out of nutrition guidelines , ensuring public health recommendations are based on scientific evidence, not political narratives . As CPAC 2025 demonstrated, conservatives must continue pushing for deregulation, transparency, and individual liberty  in every aspect of governance. The battle is far from over, but with growing public awareness and political momentum , there is hope for real, lasting reform in the years to come.

Since the first international CPAC conference, CPAC Japan, in 2017, CPAC has grown its international coalition by leaps and bounds in response to the explosion of globalism.  CPAC in DC 2025 put the growth on full display and demonstrated how different countries can work together in advancing freedom and national sovereignty against the scourge of globalism.   The conference made for a great contrast to the World Economic Forum that took place just a month prior.   Every year, the world’s elite gather to wine and dine and discuss such frivolous topics as climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.  The nearly week-long gathering in the luxury Swiss, ski town is a key planning meeting for globalist leaders and billionaire elite contrived by China puppet and Bill Gates-backed organizations the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organization.  This year’s World Economic Forum, which took place January 20-24, wasted no time bashing the Trump administration and hosted panels to celebrate “the Olympian spirit” of refugees and “protect people from climate change”. The meeting featured more than one panel criticizing the new Trump administration just days after inauguration, calling the administration an “oligarchy”, a regime opposed to the rule of law, and “volatile”.  The annual meeting never fails to promote the deterioration of Western civilization, national sovereignty, and Judeo-Christian values and to spew hate at those, like President Trump, who seek economic prosperity, world peace, and national security through self-determination, self-sufficiency, and a strong military.  Notably, these themes are presented to an exclusive in-person audience at the World Economic Forum of like-minded, elitist individuals who seek to wield their wealth and influence to increase their power and for the promulgation of a world order devoid of freedom, individualism, and meritocracy. The values and interests of the World Economic Forum are not the values and interests of the average citizen. Instead, the World Economic Forum seeks to control the masses by limiting individual freedom, opening borders, and centralizing power into transnational organizations.  In contrast, freedom, self-determination, and Judeo-Christian values were the center of CPAC’s annual conference this year at CPAC in DC 2025. The conference not only acknowledged but celebrated the merits and efficacy of a nation prioritizing its own interests and its own people, protecting life and the family, and supporting the rule of law and a fair, non-politicized justice system in creating a prosperous and rightly ordered society.   And it did so not just in the context of the United States, but with alliances between leaders in Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Australia, Korea, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, North Macedonia, and Italy and with its second annual International Summit. It did so too with an audience of international, grassroots patriots because these are the values of the ordinary person trying to raise a family and build a good life in safe and comfortable communities.   CPAC in DC 2025 demonstrated that globalism can and needs to be fought by an international coalition. The answer to globalism is not isolation but lies in forming alliances between nations who recognize the importance of making decisions for themselves without interference from China or Russia or George Soros.   It’s an appropriate foreign policy strategy for the America first mindset to align with and support other nations in asserting and acting on their right to national sovereignty. What CPAC is doing is simply making that possible by bringing these countries together in the same rooms, in the same places with the people that they serve so that they can make progress in spreading freedom together, separately.

CPAC Hungary is the only CPAC conference in Europe and approrpiately placed in the conservative stronghold of Hungary. CPAC Hungary Chairman Miklós Szánthó spoke with Mercedes Schlapp at CPAC in DC 2025 about CPAC Hungary 2025.   “The Age of Patriots is Here!” is the expected theme for this year’s conference.   “We would like to focus and show the world that there is a revival of common sense here in the U.S. We do have the revolution of the right, the uprise of the right also in Europe, but those two sides from both sides of the Atlantic must merge in order to fight the woke propaganda machine,” said Szánthó.   CPAC Hungary will feature appearances from conservative European leaders and leaders from around the world. This year’s conference will take place May 29-30 in Budapest.   Learn more at CPAC.org watch the full conversation on social media @CPAC.

Enjoyed CPAC in DC 2025? Or maybe you missed out on all the action at this year's conference? Make plans to join us for CPAC USA 2026! CPAC will be returning to the Lone Star State for three days of electric speeches, fellowship, and patriotism for next year's national conference. CPAC USA will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center March 25-28, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Ticket sales are open NOW! And they start at just $47 each! Secure your spot for the most influential gathering of conservatives at CPAC.org/2026 .

Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project, is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  Schilling has previously worked on several campaigns, including that of his father, the late Rep. Bobby Schilling. As President of the American Principles Project, he founded the Big Family Initiative, which works to defend and strengthen the power of the family as a political special interest group.  Schilling has previously spoken at CPAC about the dangers of gender ideology and the woke attack on the family. Catch up on his past remarks at CPAC.org .  Make plans to see Schilling’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska, is a confirmed speaker for CPAC in DC 2025.  Prior to his career in politics, Dunleavy was an educator, working as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. He went on to serve on the school board of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough district, of which he was President for two years. He took office in the Alaska State Senate in 2013, where he served until 2018. He was a high-ranking member of several committees: he served as chair of the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee and the Senate Education Committee, co-chair of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Throughput Special Committee, and vice-chair of the Senate Education Committee. He was also a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the Legislative Council, and the Senate Special Committee on Federal Overreach. He assumed office as Governor of Alaska in 2018. Throughout his political career, Dunleavy has been a staunch advocate for school choice and helped to establish Alaska’s Parental Bill of Rights.  Dunleavy has previously spoken at CPAC about the counterproductivity of militant environmentalism, the dangers of relying on Russian oil, and the damage caused by the Biden administration’s energy policy. Catch up on his past remarks at CPAC.org .   Make plans to see Dunleavy’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .

Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair is a confirmed speaker at CPAC in DC 2025.  Blair is the founder of Rapid Loop, a Florida-based political consulting group. He previously was a key advisor to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, later going on to serve as DeSantis’ Deputy Chief of Staff. He worked on Trump’s campaign in 2020 and served as Political Director during Trump’s 2024 campaign. In January of 2025, Blair was confirmed as Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff.  Make plans to see Blair’s remarks at CPAC in DC 2025 by visiting CPAC.org/DC .