Conservatives Unite for Day One of CPAC USA 2026

Conservatives came from all over America and the world for the first day of CPAC USA 2026 in Grapevine, Texas, for a full day of fellowship and unity. Speakers and panelists discussed strategies to put America First by fighting for border security, combating human and drug trafficking, promoting peace through strength around the world, and building coalitions across America and the world. CPAC USA 2026 has so far featured many prominent conservative leaders, lawmakers, and influencers speaking about how they are fighting for America and our freedom, which has been under attack more now than ever.

Reverend Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, spoke at the start of CPAC, leading attendees to deeper faith and explaining how conservatives can grow closer to God and the preservation of our God-given liberties in America. “God loves you, He loves this country, and I love Donald Trump,” said Graham. Graham went on to explain how the Trump Administration’s policies have directly ensured a prosperous future because of faith-informed policy: “Our Grandchildren will have a safer future because of his leadership and his policies…President Trump appointed on the judicial benches, conservative judges and Roe vs Wade was overturned. I never thought it would be overturned in my lifetime,” said Graham.

Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer and Border Czar Tom Homan explained that the Trump Administration is committed to protecting America’s borders from the violent criminals and destructive drugs that have plagued communities and claimed many Americans’ lives. President Trump’s first year back in office has been defined by an unprecedented, drastic 84% drop in illegal border crossings in 2025 alone, alongside a historic decrease in violent crime across America’s cities. Homan stated that for this year, he and newly confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin plan to improve upon those already historic achievements by suing sanctuary cities and increasing the number of ICE and Border Patrol agents. These measures aim to safely deport violent offenders and protect America’s most vulnerable, who have fallen prey to the violent criminals and narcoterrorists that have exploited disastrous open-border policies for far too long. “I’m not taking credit for a secure border. I’m giving the credit to the men and women in the Border Patrol who did their job because they were allowed to do their job," said Homan.

U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche joined CPAC USA 2026, rallying conservatives to “fight, fight, fight” for our liberty from a biased and deceptive media establishment that doesn't care about truth or the rule of law. Blanche also highlighted how many in the current Trump Administration, down to the Secret Service detail, were persecuted by an un-American, corrupt DOJ under President Biden, but that he and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi are committed to depoliticizing the DOJ and fighting for the preservation of the rule of law. “All you can do is fight, fight, fight. That’s what we have to do, and that’s the only way we’ll have success,” said Blanche.

Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Czar, Sara Carter highlighted that the Trump Administration has directly saved lives by drastically eliminating the influx of dangerous narcotics that have plagued American communities and claimed thousands of lives particulary as a result of Biden’s disastrous open border policies. Carter said that she and the Administration are stopping the flow of narcotics by directly targeting and combating narco-terrorists. “Our focus on the Western hemisphere is to put the focus on America first…we have seen a decrease in fetanyl coming into our country around 56% to 57%, we’re seeing it being weakened, we are holding China accountable and telling them we are watching the supply chain and you will be responsible if we see more deaths in our country,” said Carter.

The “MAGA vs. Mullah Madness” panel, featuring CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Advisor Dr. Hiva Wallace, and survivors of the Ayatollah’s regime, Mersedeh Shahinkar and Raheleh Amiri, showcased the brutality of the radical Iranian government but also the resilient hope of the Iranian people for a free and democratic future. Shahinkar and Amiri stand as inspiring heroes and an enduring testament to the strength of their nation, remaining steadfast and encouraging the Iranian diaspora to continue the fight for peace and prosperity globally. After being mercilessly shot in the face by Iranian forces and left with permanent vision impairment, Shahinkar recounted the heroism of her community despite her own profound suffering, demonstrating that their is always hope for the Iranian people no matter the struggle: “they came looking for me at the hospital but the brave docters and nurses that were taking care of me put their own life in danger to protect me.”

The opening day of CPAC USA 2026 served as a powerful testament to the renewed momentum of the America First movement and the tangible results of its policy agenda. By highlighting the importance of national sovereignty, judicial integrity, and the restoration of the rule of law, the speakers provided a roadmap for a conservative future rooted in both faith and firm governance. As the conference continues, the sense of unity in Grapevine demonstrates a movement that is not only celebratory of its success but deeply committed to the long-term work of institutional reform and national security that puts America first.