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We are so excited to have you join us for the  Circle Retreat & Gala at the Mar-a-Lago Club ! Below are the final details to help you prepare for the event. Please review carefully and let us know if you need any assistance. 🚨  CPAC ARP Profile:  Please make sure that you have submitted your information at CPAC.org/arp  and bring your Real ID compliant identification with you. For more information, please visit  TSA.gov/real-id . 🏨 CPAC Host Hotel The Four Seasons Palm Beach 2800 S Ocean Boulevard Palm Beach, FL 33480 Hotel Information 🚗 PARKING / VALET INSTRUCTIONS Please note, only guests staying at the Four Seasons Palm Beach will have access to parking and valet for a fee. If you are staying at a different hotel please prepare accordingly to uber or ride share to the hotel for event transportation. 🪪 BADGE PICKUP You are required to have your badge at all events and to use transportation to and from The Mar-a-Lago Club. At all events you will need your badge for entry to the space for security reasons. We offer badge pickup at all transportation departures from the Four Seasons Palm Beach and on-site adjacent to the space we are meeting. If you are a co-host we can also arrange special pickup for your badge. 👔 ATTIRE OVERVIEW Receptions & Dinners:  Cocktail Wednesday Summit:  Business professional Gala:  Black tie 📅 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE (ET) 🗓️ Tuesday, November 4 — Arrival & Welcome 🪪 Badge is required for all events this day along with a real ID & badge pickup will be offered. 3:30–6:00 PM | Four Seasons Check-In with Host Hotel & CPAC Team 4:30 PM | The Living Room at the Four Seasons WELCOME RECEPTION CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS AND VIP TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 6:00 PM | Teahouse Room at The Mar-a-Lago Club Chairman’s Circle Member Dinner  CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN Transportation for Co-Hosts: 4:45 PM shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 🗓️ Wednesday, Nov 5 — Conversations & Summit  🪪 Badge is required for all events this day along with a real ID & badge pickup will be offered. 8:00 AM | The Living Room at the Four Seasons Circle Member Breakfast CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS AND VIP TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 10:30 AM | THE DONALD J. TRUMP BALLROOM AT THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB ANNUAL CPAC CIRCLE MEMBERS SUMMIT Transportation for Summit Attendees:  10:15 AM  shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 6:00 PM | The Donald J. Trump Ballroom at The Mar-a-Lago Club  CIRCLE MEMBER DINNER CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS AND VIP TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 10:00 PM | THE WHITE AND GOLD BALLROOM CO-HOSTS SPEAKEASY AT THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 10:00 PM | THE LIVING ROOM AT FOUR SEASONS PALM BEACH 47 NIGHT CAP THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO GALA ATTENDEES, VIP GUESTS, AND CO-HOSTS. 🗓️ Thursday, Nov 6 — Brunch & Gala (Formal Gala) 🪪 Badge is required for all events this day along with a real ID & badge pickup will be offered. 8:00 AM |  FOUR SEASONS PALM BEACH IN THE BANYAN BALLROOM CIRCLE MEMBER BREAKFAST THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO GALA ATTENDEES, VIP GUESTS, AND CO-HOSTS. Located on level C2 via the elevators located next to the main entrance. This is open to all hotel guests staying at the Four Seasons along with Co-Hosts and VIP guests. 9:30 AM |  THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB IN THE WHITE & GOLD BALLROOM CO-HOSTS BRUNCH CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN Transportation for Co-Hosts: 9:30 AM shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 4:00 PM |  BANYAN BALLROOM AT THE FOUR SEASONS PRE-DEPARTURE RECEPTION THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO GALA ATTENDEES, VIP GUESTS, AND CO-HOSTS. Transportation for Gala Attendees: 5:30 PM shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 6:00 PM |  THE POOL AT THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB GALA COCKTAIL RECEPTION Transportation for Gala Attendees: 5:30 PM shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 6:00 PM |  THE DONALD J. TRUMP BALLROOM AT THE MAR-A-LAGO CLUB CPAC ANNUAL GALA THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO GALA ATTENDEES, VIP GUESTS, AND CO-HOSTS. Transportation for Gala Attendees: 5:30 PM shuttle pick up to The Mar-a-Lago Club 10:00 PM | Florie's Bar at the Four Seasons “45 Nightcap”  Open until midnight 🗓️ Friday, Nov 7 — Farewell  🪪 Badge is required for all events this day along with a real ID & badge pickup will be offered. 10:00 AM | THE LIVING ROOM AT FOUR SEASONS PALM BEACH FAREWELL BRUNCH VIP GUESTS AND CO-HOSTS 🚐 Transportation Notes Please meet in the  main valet loop  of the Four Seasons at designated departure times listed above. Transportation departs promptly — plan to arrive at least  10 minutes early.  If you miss the shuttle, please be prepared to walk up to 1 mile through various security checkpoints when using rideshare to The Mar-a-Lago Club. 💬 Contacts & Support For event questions, schedule changes, or assistance during your stay, contact: Madeleine Beardsley  — Guest Relations |  mbeardsley@conservative.org | (202) 347-9388 ext. 130 Ally McKone —  Transportation Coordinator | amckone@conservative.org | (202) 347-9388 ext. 126 Turner Johnson —  VP of Strategy & Giving | turner@conservative.org | (202) 347-9388 ext. 111 Macy Johnson —  VP of Events |  macy@conservative.org | (202) 347-9388 ext. 117

On October 30th, 2025, CPAC hosted the Christian Persecution Summit at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, drawing together faith leaders, human rights advocates, and lawmakers united by one mission — to defend Christians facing escalating persecution across the globe. From Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to China, Iran, and North Korea, the summit shed light on the worsening crisis of violence, imprisonment, and discrimination against Christians. The event underscored CPAC’s unwavering commitment to protecting religious freedom as a foundational principle of American liberty and global human rights. The Summit opened with prayer from Matt and Mercedes Schlapp and former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Mark Walker, setting the tone for a day centered on moral courage and spiritual solidarity. Jenny Korn, Deputy Assistant to the President and Faith Director of the White House Faith Office, delivered the first address, emphasizing the moral imperative to defend persecuted Christians both internationally and within the United States. Korn highlighted the Trump Administration’s dedication to strengthening partnerships between government and faith-based organizations to bring aid and advocacy to communities under attack for their faith. Among the other distinguished lawmakers, Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) played pivotal roles. Congressman Moore spoke powerfully about the need for the U.S. to list Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, urging stronger foreign policy measures to hold oppressive regimes that use political violence against Chrtsians accountable. Congressman Smith, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a long-time advocate for global human rights, and organizer of key congressional hearings on religious freedom, reinforced that protecting Christians worldwide is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity in promoting peace and democracy. These influential lawmakers' remarks reflected growing legislative momentum in Washington to elevate religious liberty as a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy, working in step with the Trump Administration. The Summit also featured prominent voices from other faiths and national security communities. Rabbi Yitz Tendler added a powerful interfaith dimension, stressing the shared responsibility among all faith traditions to safeguard freedom of belief and conscience. Throughout the day, discussions focused on practical solutions — from mobilizing churches and NGOs to reinforcing legislative protections and media advocacy. Panels with experts like Sean Nelson, CeCe Heil, Kelsey Zorzi, and Maureen Ferguson offered tangible strategies for improving foreign aid accountability, protecting houses of worship, and leveraging international law to defend the persecuted. The summit concluded with a unifying call to action: to confront evil, defend truth, and ensure that America remains the leading voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Jack Posobiec and Dr. Sebastian Gorka brought a powerful close to the CPAC Christian Persecution Summit, both highlighting the difference a White House that stands for human rights can make in the fight against Christian persecution. Posobiec, a veteran journalist and Senior Editor at Human Events , exposed how the Biden administration had weaponized the Department of Justice and the FBI against Traditional Catholic groups, labeling them as potential “domestic terrorists” simply for practicing their faith. He warned that such political targeting marks a dangerous erosion of the First Amendment and mirrors the same type of government intimidation seen in countries that persecute Christians abroad. Dr. Sebastian Gorka, Deputy Assistant to the President, followed with an impassioned address reflecting on his ongoing role in advocating for religious freedom and national strength. Gorka highlighted how President Trump boldly confronted international human rights abuses, particularly those against Christians in Nigeria, China, and the Middle East, by placing pressure on regimes that tolerated or enabled persecution. Together, their remarks reinforced a central message of the Summit: that defending Christians worldwide begins with defending religious liberty at home. The CPAC Christian Persecution Summit marked a defining moment in the global fight for faith and freedom. With passionate voices calling attention to the atrocities unfolding in Nigeria, China, Iran, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the event underscored the moral urgency of standing up for Christians who face daily threats of violence, imprisonment, and discrimination. Following the summit, President Donald Trump announced the re-listing of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a major policy victory long advocated by faith leaders and lawmakers present at the Kennedy Center. This decisive action demonstrated that the United States, under the leadership of an administration committed to moral clarity, is willing to hold accountable those who perpetrate or tolerate violence against believers. America’s strength lies in its willingness to defend the oppressed and to lead the world by example. The Christian Persecution Summit served as both a solemn reminder and a rallying cry — that faith and freedom are inseparable, and that the defense of Christians abroad begins with the resolve of a nation that cherishes liberty at home. The Christian Persecution Summit was the beginning of a renewed movement to stand boldly for truth, protect the persecuted, and ensure that the light of faith continues to shine in even the darkest corners of the world.

Today, November 4, 2025, Virginians will decide whether to continue building on Virginia's success or return to policies that have made life more expensive and communities less safe. The stakes touch every household: rising cost-of-living, the quality of education, and the safety of our neighborhoods. For years, Democrats were growing their hold on Virginia, turning it into a solidly blue state. That all changed in 2020 when the pandemic exposed their efforts to indoctrinate and mutilate children, strip parents of their rights, attack freedom of religion, disintegrate law and order, and destroy the economy. Outraged parents and Virginians rose en masse, energized by these assaults on their children and basic freedoms, and carried Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares to victory.  Four years later, Democrats are eager to restore these policies that evicted them from office, and they are threatening to do it with increased vigor. Democrats are proposing higher taxes and heavier regulations that would increase prices for everyday costs such as housing, energy, and groceries. They continue to advance divisive school curricula, gender ideology policies that sideline parents, and lenient crime agendas that have allowed fentanyl and crime to flood communities.  Perhaps more disturbingly, this election has seen Virginia Democrats call for violence against political opponents, and those who stand up for their values are under attack. Texts from Attorney General candidate Jay Jones in 2022 reveal that Jones wished one of his Republican colleagues would get “two bullets to the head,” and at another time wished that the same colleague's wife would watch her children die. Abigail Spanberger, the Democrat nominee for Governor, has refused to disavow the disgusting calls for violence coming from her own ticket, and Jones himself has refused to drop out of the race. To think that these disgusting calls for violence would not immediately disqualify Jones from the Democrat ticket, to be an Attorney General, more so, is unthinkable and demonstrates the character of Democratic leadership–choosing career over keeping Virginians safe. By contrast, conservative leadership under Governor Glenn Youngkin these past four years has delivered results and prioritized Virginia families: lower taxes, empowered parents, and renewed respect for law enforcement. The upcoming election will determine whether those gains endure, while offering new ideas to put Virginia first. The Republican ticket, Winsome Earle-Sears for Governor, John Reid for Lieutenant Governor, and Jason Miyares for Attorney General, offers proven leadership grounded in service, accountability, and results. Together, they present a clear vision to lower the cost-of-living, strengthen families, and ensure the Commonwealth remains a safe and prosperous place to live and work. They promise to continue the four years of prosperity Virginia has seen under Governor Youngkin.  Winsome Earle-Sears brings battle-tested resolve to the governor's mansion. As Lieutenant Governor, she played a critical role in breaking State Senate ties to block tax hikes and advance family-focused reforms. As Governor, she will continue her stalwart advancement of policies that make Virginia affordable and safe and remove critical race theory and transgender policies from education. Her pledge to eliminate Virginia’s car tax and cut regulations to lower housing and energy costs will free the middle-class from bureaucrat-imposed financial burdens, and her promise to remove woke ideology from school curriculum and expand school choice asserts basic freedoms of parental rights and religious freedom. When Virginians vote for Winsome Earle-Sears, they vote to bring principled, disciplined leadership to the governor’s office and to keep our Commonwealth prosperous, safe, and free. John Reid, a Richmond native, brings a vision of accountability and reduced waste to the Lieutenant Governor role that complements Sears’s limited government and abundant freedom approach. Reid will serve as Virginia’s “ambassador for business,” growing Virginia’s job market while fighting Left-wing federal mandates that inflate costs for consumers and business owners. His plan to streamline Medicaid will root out waste and alleviate burdens on taxpayers. Like Sears, Reid also promises to protect Virginia’s children from mandates that allow boys in girls’ sports or gender transitions without parental consent and to restore common sense to public education. Reid’s vision combines the fiscal responsibility, respect for families, and forward-thinking innovation that will set up Virginia to thrive.  Incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares has already delivered results on affordability and family protection. In 2022, he launched Operation Ceasefire to target violent gun and gang crimes in 13 high-crime cities, including Richmond, Norfolk, and Petersburg. By assigning dedicated Ceasefire prosecutors and partnering with local and federal law enforcement, the initiative drove a 17% statewide drop in homicides, a 10% reduction in sexual assaults, and a 3% decline in robberies in its first year, with Lynchburg seeing a 50% homicide decrease. Miyares also secured opioid settlements to fund treatment without raising taxes and launched the “Game Over” public awareness campaign in 2024, across TV, digital, and radio platforms, to deter at-risk youth. His commitment to deporting criminal illegal immigrants further lowers taxpayer costs while keeping neighborhoods safe, delivering tough enforcement and community-led prevention.  While his Democrat opponent, Jones, promotes violence against elected officials, Miyares has a track record of reducing violence for all Virginians. He has demonstrated that conservative policies save the lives of Virginians, lower costs, and uphold the rule of law.  This pivotal election gives Virginians a choice between policies that have worked and those that have failed. It is an opportunity to secure affordability, protect families, and defend the rule of law. Winsome Earle-Sears, John Reid, and Jason Miyares have shown that conservative leadership delivers measurable results: stronger communities, lower living costs, and schools that educate rather than indoctrinate. With early voting surging and margins razor-thin, your vote counts—every Virginian who demands lower bills, safer streets, and family-first schools must vote for the ticket that will fight for Virginia. Vote Earle-Sears for Governor, Reid for Lieutenant Governor, Miyares for Attorney General!

The annual CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala at the Mar-a-Lago Club continues to serve as a premier gathering for the biggest leaders in the conservative movement in America and from around the world, building on the momentum of last year’s successful event. In 2024, the gala was a triumphant celebration shortly after President Donald Trump’s electoral victory, featuring high-profile speakers like Argentina President Javier Milei and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. They addressed critical topics such as economic liberty, border security, and resisting globalist influences, inspiring conservatives with visions of renewed American prosperity. This year’s CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala at the beautiful Mar-a-lago Club, held from November 4-7, 2025, shifts the focus toward energizing patriots ahead of the 2026 midterms, emphasizing the need to maintain conservative gains in Congress and beyond. Among the biggest names set to speak at the 2025 gala are Special Presidential Envoy Richard Grenell, censorship fighter Mike Benz, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, RNC Co-Chair Michael Whatley, and former NFL star Jack Brewer, among others. These figures represent a diverse cross-section of the conservative movement, from political heavyweights to cultural influencers, all united in their commitment to America-first policies. The key issues highlighted in the event revolve around safeguarding American borders, countering foreign adversaries like China or Iran, combating online censorship, and promoting faith-based conservative values to strengthen communities. Anticipated discussions will also touch on election integrity and economic policies to empower working families, aiming to mobilize grassroots support, before the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The gala promises to reinvigorate the conservative movement, reminding attendees of the ongoing fight to preserve liberty in an increasingly challenging global landscape. Reserve your tickets today at CPAC.org/maralago .

Argentina President Javier Milei will be a featured speaker at the 2025 CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala, taking place November 4-7, 2025, at the Mar-a-Lago Club. President Milei has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices for economic liberty in the Western Hemisphere, implementing bold free-market reforms in Argentina that have captivated conservatives worldwide. Milei's unapologetic advocacy for smaller government, individual freedom, and the dismantling of bureaucratic obstacles has made him a symbol of what's possible when leaders prioritize liberty over state control. His vision for Argentina—rooted in fiscal discipline, personal responsibility, and the rejection of socialism—offers a blueprint for conservative leaders across the world. From slashing government spending to championing economic freedom, Milei's revolutionary approach demonstrates that conservative principles can deliver real results and transform nations struggling under the weight of failed socialist policies. President Milei's participation at the 2025 CPAC Circle Retreat and Gala represents CPAC's vital connection to the growing conservative movement across South America. As the region faces threats from authoritarian regimes and socialist policies, Milei stands as a beacon of hope for conservatives throughout Latin America and the world who are fighting for freedom in their own countries. This year's gala promises to energize patriots ahead of the 2026 midterms while reinforcing the international coalition fighting for freedom, prosperity, and traditional values on both continents. Reserve your tickets today at CPAC.org/maralago .

Last week was another busy week for the Center for Regulatory Freedom — both in terms of volume and in terms of the breadth of subject areas where we filed. It also stands as a useful snapshot of what this Center exists to do. We are not merely reacting to individual rulemakings — we are actively shaping the regulatory state in the direction of constitutional limits, scientific integrity, and economic rationality. These five dockets — on species classification, on pandemic-era COVID paperwork, on asbestos respirators, on the scope of the General Duty Clause, and on AI regulatory reform — cut across different agencies, different sectors, and radically different problem-domains. But they all share a single central theme: Washington has spent decades building regulatory tools that are used not to solve problems — but to create  leverage, to expand power, and to build a world in which small enterprises cannot realistically participate. We exist to push back against that. “Similarity of Appearance” — Reforming ESA Compliance Logic We filed comments supporting the Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to eliminate the practice of treating a non-listed species as if it were listed under the Endangered Species Act simply because it “looks similar.” That practice had become a convenient way to expand ESA constraints far beyond the scope of the law Congress actually passed. It was — bluntly — regulatory fiction. As we noted, there is only one standard Congress authorized: the actual listing standard. Agencies do not get to substitute it with their own administrative preference. We also encouraged better alignment with the Commerce Department, where commercial impacts are implicated. Congress required economic impacts to be weighed — not dismissed. Washington cannot continue treating economic effects as an afterthought in statutory implementation, especially in resource-dependent communities. This docket matters because it begins to restore the principle that environmental statutes are not blank permission slips. COVID Reporting in Healthcare Settings — The Pandemic Ended, But the Paperwork Didn’t At OSHA, we supported the removal of the COVID-era reporting and log-keeping mandates in the healthcare rule. These requirements were born in crisis — but after the public-health emergency ended, the mandates stayed in the Code of Federal Regulations like an abandoned scaffolding no one remembered to take down. In our filing, we made the point as plainly as possible: the mandates no longer served any public-health purpose. They no longer generated a useful signal. They simply generated cost. In the end, they became a process for the sake of process. Ending this paperwork is not deregulatory for its own sake. It is recognition that rulemaking needs to be dynamic — it must retire emergency tools when the emergency is over. Asbestos Respirators — Modernizing Protection and Retiring Panic We also filed on OSHA’s modernization of asbestos respirator rules — which is one of the most consequential “small” dockets in OSHA’s whole regulatory universe. Asbestos regulation has long been clouded by panic and emotional legacy rather than exposure science. OSHA’s existing respirator tables were written in a different technological age — when respirators were crude, when analytical measurement was less precise, and when regulators believed that the only safe course was to specify model-by-model solutions. We supported modernizing and aligning the asbestos respirator requirements with the general respiratory protection standard, because that allows Assigned Protection Factors to drive selection, instead of rigid tables frozen in the 1980s. Better science, less fear, and lower burden is not a compromise — it is the very purpose of the OSH Act in the first place. The point we drove home is simple: the way to protect workers is to use better data, not more fear. The General Duty Clause — And the End of “Backdoor Rulemaking” by Enforcement The fourth docket was a major step toward restoring constitutional boundaries inside OSHA. For decades — this is not an exaggeration — OSHA has used the General Duty Clause as a quiet workaround for rulemaking. Whenever the agency wanted to control an area without going through the burden of actual notice-and-comment, it would simply cite employers under the Clause. It became the back-door rulebook. No more. OSHA proposed — and we strongly supported — limiting the General Duty Clause to hazards that are not integral, inherent characteristics of a profession. If the hazard is part of the core nature of the job — live performance, motor sports, animal handling, tactical training — then OSHA cannot pretend it can regulate the hazard out of existence. This is a critical moment. We are now in a post-Chevron world, post-Loper Bright. Agencies do not have open-ended interpretive license anymore. They must follow the statutory text. That means they must return to rulemaking, not substitution by citation. OSHA’s proposed limitation protects the agency itself — from invalidation — by grounding enforcement authority where Congress actually placed it. Artificial Intelligence — America Cannot Afford a “Permission Slip Culture” Finally — at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy — we submitted comments on the regulatory reform RFI for artificial intelligence. The United States became the global engine of innovation because this country has historically embraced a foundational presumption: if you are not hurting people, you are free to try new things. Europe has taken the opposite model — pre-clearance, precaution, suspicion first — and that model is now being laundered into U.S. policymaking discourse as if regulatory fear is the safe choice. It is not. The safe choice — the choice that keeps small firms in the game — is permissionless innovation paired with accountability for actual harms. We made clear in our filing that the most important thing Washington can do is to stop turning process burden into a moat that only incumbents can cross. We urged OSTP to use this moment to: harmonize definitions across agencies attack “regulatory dark matter” — guidance masquerading as binding obligation expand use of sandboxes, safe harbors, and outcome-based standards Use AI itself to simplify compliance and reduce paperwork. AI policy is now a test of whether the United States still trusts its own model — or whether we are going to import a European-style fear-first regulatory posture that will freeze out exactly the kind of small innovators the U.S. economy depends on. The Thread That Runs Through All Five Filings The through-line last week was not about the subject matter — wildlife, pandemic response, respirators, statutory interpretation, or AI policy. The through-line was this: Washington has become accustomed to building policy sideways — through convenience, through shortcuts, through back-door tools, and through frameworks that ignore cost-benefit discipline. Every time that happens, a small enterprise becomes collateral damage. Each of the filings last week was a push toward re-anchoring regulation in law, in proportion, in science, and in economic reality.

President Donald Trump has made a triumphant return this Halloween weekend after a productive series of historic meetings across Asia, securing new trade deals that once again put America first. His trip included discussions with South Korean leadership focused on maintaining regional stability and strengthening economic ties. The highlight of the visit, however, was Trump’s highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping—their first in six years—aimed at reducing tensions and rebalancing the trade relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Ben Shapiro observed that China’s economic power stems largely from its control over rare earth minerals, which are essential for producing advanced technologies such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and military hardware. Shapiro argued that Beijing has leveraged this near-monopoly as a weapon in the ongoing trade war, using its dominance to pressure the United States and its allies. In a major breakthrough, China agreed to crack down on the export of chemicals used to produce fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid that has fueled the addiction crisis and claimed tens of thousands of American lives. In exchange, the United States will consider reducing certain tariffs on Chinese goods—a calculated step to ease tensions while addressing one of the most urgent public health threats facing the nation. Shapiro emphasized that China currently supplies an estimated 70 percent of the rare earth minerals used by the United States, giving Beijing significant leverage in trade negotiations. He suggested that it might have been more strategic for the U.S. to stockpile these critical materials before imposing tariffs, ensuring American industries remained insulated from potential supply disruptions. Trump’s visit to Asia ultimately underscored his ongoing America First agenda, which prioritizes U.S. sovereignty, economic security, and toughness in international trade. By reengaging with key world leaders, particularly with Xi Jinping, Trump demonstrated his ability to negotiate from a position of strength—pushing for solutions that protect American workers, businesses, and families.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian communities are facing a systematic campaign of terror and religious persecution at the hands of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The ISIS-affiliated group has turned northeastern Congo into a torment of massacres, targeted killings of pastors, church burnings, widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and the coercion of individuals into abandoning their faith through forced conversions. These are not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate strategy to eliminate Christian presence and dismantle community structures, imposing control through targeted religious persecution.   This destabilization of local Christian populations streamlines the ADF’s clear strategy: erase Christianity from the region and control communities through fear. Since 2017, over 6,000 Christians have been killed by the ADF, and 1.5 million more have been driven from their homes. Overflowing displacement camps force already vulnerable families to struggle with severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. 27% of children suffer acute malnutrition, while cholera spreads unchecked. With no health infrastructure left standing, preventable diseases claim countless lives and compound the victims’ suffering.   These conditions thrive under the shadow of a widening security vacuum, which allows the ADF to expand operations with little resistance. The weak state and under-resourced Congolese military enable the ADF to grow stronger with ISIS training and logistical support, with recent attacks reflecting their growing militaristic sophistication.   Without immediate, coordinated, strengthened intervention, the magnitude of the ADF’s force and reach will entrench the group as a permanent threat to stability and to the survival of Christianity in Central Africa.

This week, the Center for Regulatory Freedom (CRF) delivered eight comments to federal agencies, advocating for policies that protect democratic processes, reward labor, lighten financial burdens, prioritize skilled immigration, remove redundant reporting, enhance consumer control, fortify commerce, and maintain focused environmental oversight. These efforts embody CRF’s mission to champion transparent, efficient regulations that strengthen America’s security, economy, and individual freedoms. CRF endorsed the America First Legal Foundation’s petition to the Election Assistance Commission, calling for proof of U.S. citizenship on the National Mail Voter Registration Form. The filing asserted that this requirement is critical to preventing noncitizen voting and restoring confidence in federal elections through verifiable, straightforward safeguards. CRF celebrated the Treasury and IRS proposed rule defining qualified tips under the “No Taxes on Tips” policy, hailing it as a breakthrough that honors service workers and small businesses. The comments pressed for expansive yet practical definitions to maximize tax relief, deliver on a key 2024 campaign commitment, and affirm that hard-earned income deserves protection from overtaxation. CRF praised the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s decennial review under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act. The submission flagged antiquated rules governing banking operations, capital standards, and community reinvestment, urging targeted revisions to boost clarity, cut compliance costs, and enable banks to serve customers more effectively. CRF welcomed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ plan to replace the random H-1B lottery with a weighted system favoring high-wage, highly skilled applicants. The comments hailed the shift as a restoration of the program’s original purpose—drawing elite global talent to fuel innovation and growth—while aligning with clear congressional intent. CRF urged the Environmental Protection Agency to pause its renewed TSCA information collection for methylene chloride, citing significant overlap with existing OSHA and DOT requirements. While noting improved burden estimates, the filing labeled the rule a prime example of regulatory redundancy and called for a comprehensive duplication review before proceeding. CRF backed the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s reconsideration of its open-banking rule under Section 1033 but cautioned against provisions that could inflate costs or exclude underserved consumers. The submission advocated flexible, risk-based standards that give individuals secure control over their financial data, preserve privacy, and sustain competition among traditional banks and fintech innovators. CRF applauded the Department of Transportation’s focus on cargo theft and proposed a collaborative, incentive-driven strategy over new mandates. The comments recommended a national coordination center, advanced tracking technologies, and innovation rewards to enhance supply-chain visibility and resilience without burdening industry. Finally, CRF supported the Food and Drug Administration’s renewal of NEPA environmental-data collection authority but insisted on strict boundaries. The filing emphasized using the data solely for objective risk comparisons and guarding against ideological expansion, excessive paperwork, or disproportionate impacts on small agricultural and biotechnology firms. Through these filings, CRF continues to shape a regulatory environment that secures elections, rewards hard work, streamlines finance and immigration, eliminates waste, empowers consumers, protects commerce, and keeps environmental rules focused and fair. By demanding precision, proportionality, and market alignment, CRF ensures the government enables freedom and prosperity rather than obstructing it.

Rep. Smith has been a leading voice against religious persecution, with recent activities focused on Nigeria. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Rep. Smith has chaired congressional hearings in 2025 to address religious persecution in Nigeria, particularly against Christians. He has written more laws than any other member of the House of Representatives, including comprehensive legislation to promote and advance religious freedom throughout the globe: ·      In 1998, Smith worked closely with Rep. Frank R. Wolf and chaired all of the critical hearings, enabling the enactment of the International Religious Freedom Act ( P.L. 105-292 ), which established the Office on International Religious Freedom and the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. ·      18 years later, Smith authored the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act  ( P.L. 114-281 ) to reauthorize and enhance the provisions within the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 , naming the new legislation in honor of his colleague and renowned religious freedom lawmaker, Rep. Wolf. ·      Smith is the author of the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2018  ( P.L. 115-300 ), legislation to provide relief for victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes who are members of religious and ethnic minority groups, especially and including Christians, in Iraq and Syria. ·      Smith authored the provisions in law that created the Office of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism  in 2004. In 2021, he wrote P.L. 116-326  to elevate the Office of Special Envoy to the high-level position of Ambassador , thereby expanding the impact and reach of the Office, boosting its ability to identify and combat antisemitism throughout the globe. Following a March 2025 hearing, he condemned acts of transnational repression aimed at Nigerians and Nigerian-Americans who testified on abuses in their home country. He has authored legislation calling for the State Department to redesignate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for severe violations of religious freedom. In March 2025, Smith praised the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its annual report documenting global religious persecution. Smith has a long history of addressing religious freedom issues. In 2017, he received an award for his defense of international religious freedom, citing his work on behalf of persecuted Christians in countries like China, Iraq, and Nigeria. Register today at cpac.org/summit/christians .

Chairman of Unplugged Technologies Erik Prince is set to speak at CPAC's Ending Christian Persecution Summit tomorrow, October 30 at The Kennedy Center. Prince is a former Navy SEAL and founder of military contractor Blackwater. In January, Prince notably stepped up to lend aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While Congo experienced heightened turmoil with rebel gangs rising up to claim the capital city and the country’s valuable mineral mines, he brokered an agreement to secure Congo’s mineral wealth and potentially bring peace and stability to the country. Prince has been active in encouraging economic opportunity and national security in Africa and Latin America. He will join many other speakers at the summit with a diverse background on Christian persecution around the world, making for a well-rounded discussion on how to address religious persecution in its various forms and locations. Register for the summit today at CPAC.org/summit/christians .

Ben Sisney, Senior Counsel for Litigation & Public Policy at the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), will speak at CPAC's Christian Persecution Summit on October 30, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Terrace Theatre. Leading the ACLJ’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) practice, he exposes government misconduct that undermines religious liberty and First Amendment rights—issues that resonate deeply with the global fight against Christian persecution. An experienced litigator in federal and state courts and former judicial law clerk, Sisney has overseen more than 500 FOIA requests and lawsuits since 2017, compelling transparency on faith-based policy and free speech. His efforts have uncovered agency bias and inconsistencies in handling religious organizations, amid record FOIA backlogs of 200,000 pending requests in 2023 and public trust in government at a historic low of just 20%. Through strategic litigation and public filings, Sisney drives accountability that not only strengthens constitutional protections at home but also informs advocacy against regimes abroad that silence Christian voices through censorship, surveillance, and legal oppression. At the Summit, Sisney will demonstrate how legal transparency and aggressive advocacy can dismantle barriers to justice for persecuted believers worldwide. Register today at CPAC.org/summit/christians .