Child Protective Services (CPS) wields the extraordinary authority to enter private homes, question children without parental presence, and initiate removals that can permanently alter the trajectory of a family. Despite this life-changing power, the agency's investigative practices often lack the basic transparency found in other legal settings. Currently, nearly 37.4% of American children will be interviewed by CPS before age 18, yet in most cases, there is no audio or video recording of these interactions. This leaves a single caseworker’s notes as the only record of what occurred, creating a system where a child's true experience can be easily lost or misinterpreted. The GRACIE Act (Generate Recordings of All CPS Interviews Everywhere) seeks to bridge this gap by incentivizing states to require the recording of all CPS interviews with children. The legislation is named after a young girl, Gracie, whose abuse was reported by a counselor and corroborated by multiple witnesses, but dismissed after a caseworker inaccurately documented the initial report. Because there was no recording to verify her words, Gracie’s voice was effectively erased, and later reports of abuse were dismissed based on that first flawed account. Her case reflects a broader systemic problem where spontaneous, unrecorded interviews become the sole basis for critical decisions regarding child safety. This lack of documentation has dire consequences for the most vulnerable, particularly those at risk of human trafficking. Research indicates a staggering link between the child welfare system and exploitation; an estimated 60% of child trafficking victims are current or former foster youth. When CPS interviews are poorly documented, critical indicators of trafficking can be overlooked. Conversely, inaccurate records can lead to unnecessary removals, placing children in the foster care system where their risk of being targeted by traffickers increases due to the instability and trauma of family separation. The absence of recorded interviews raises serious due process concerns. Courts frequently rely on caseworker summaries rather than a child's direct statements, which can lead to misinterpretation or the omission of vital context. For instance, a study found that mothers who report child abuse by fathers are 80% more likely to lose custody, highlighting weaknesses in how abuse allegations are currently evaluated and documented. By mandating recorded interviews, the GRACIE Act aims to provide an objective record that protects children, parents, and caseworkers alike, ensuring the state acts with accuracy and accountability. The GRACIE Act represents a commonsense shift toward modern accountability, bringing CPS in line with standard law enforcement and child advocacy best practices. By ensuring that every child's voice is accurately preserved through mandatory recording, we can strengthen the integrity of investigations, prevent the trauma of unnecessary family separation, and better identify victims of trafficking. Rather than reinventing the system, this legislation ensures that when the state intervenes in a child's life, it does so with the transparency, reliability, and integrity that every family deserves. Read the full policy brief here .

Presented by Veronica Birkenstock at CPAC USA 2026. CPAC applauds President Trump’s courageous decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for severe religious freedom violations. President Trump launched decisive military actions against ISIS terrorists slaughtering Christians in Nigeria, established the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, and hosted persecuted Christians from China, Cuba, Nigeria, and beyond at the White House. His powerful words at the National Prayer Breakfast and the United Nations, declaring Christianity the most persecuted faith and vowing America will stand as a voice for victims, have brought unprecedented attention to this underreported human rights tragedy. Wide sections of Nigeria are led by Jihadist entities that seek to wipe the globe of Christians and Jews, and their vile actions must be countered. It is beyond time for religious leaders to be much more vocal and aggressive in countering this evil. Much more must be done. Persecution defines nations like Nigeria, China, North Korea, Pakistan, and elsewhere; thousands killed, millions displaced, churches and synagogues burned, and believers imprisoned simply for their faith. We urge leaders of other countries to follow President Trump’s example, impose stronger sanctions on persecuting governments, increase funding for global religious freedom initiatives, and ensure military and diplomatic tools are fully deployed to protect vulnerable believers. The crisis demands urgent, escalated action, no half-measures when lives and eternal souls are at stake. We are also deeply committed to the broader fight for religious liberty and democracy worldwide. We strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms and urge the administration to continue its resolute efforts to combat this rising hatred. We are honored that the Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, will be in attendance at CPAC, a Muslim who recognizes the state of Israel and the need for religious tolerance. We stand in solidarity with the Iranian people in their courageous fight for freedom against oppression. CPAC stands ready to partner further in this vital cause. Thank you , President Trump, for leading the charge. Now, let's finish the fight for freedom of faith around the world.

Presented by CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp. CPAC strongly condemns the ongoing weaponization of lawfare by Brazil’s President Lula and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes against former President Jair Bolsonaro and the Brazilian people. What we are witnessing is not justice; it is a tyrannical abuse of judicial power designed to silence political opposition, crush free speech, and rig upcoming elections in favor of the Lula regime. Justice de Moraes has turned Brazil’s judiciary into a political weapon, imposing unjust convictions, censorship orders, asset freezes, and restrictions that have turned President Bolsonaro into a political prisoner. This is the very definition of lawfare: the malicious use of legal institutions to achieve what could not be won at the ballot box.

Presented by Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. CPAC unequivocally condemns Sharia law as a barbaric, theocratic, and totalitarian system that is fundamentally incompatible with individual liberty and Western civilization. Sharia denies equal rights by prescribing cruel and unusual punishments, including stoning, amputation, and flogging, and seeks to replace secular democracy and constitutional governance with Islamic religious rule. We are alarmed by its growing global influence and its creeping encroachments around the world, including in the West. Their tactics include parallel legal institutions, cultural demands, foreign law in national courts, Sharia-compliant finance, and unchecked immigration from Sharia-adherent societies. Most disturbingly, segments of the political left, and even some establishment figures, have excused, downplayed, or embraced Sharia under the banners of multiculturalism, diversity, and false claims of “Islamophobia.” This hypocrisy betrays core conservative values, endangers free speech, women’s rights, and religious liberty, and labels legitimate national security concerns as bigotry. As we meet in Texas, we acknowledge that the Lone Star State has become the frontline defense against this threat. In the March 2026 GOP primary, Texas voters delivered an overwhelming mandate by approving Proposition 10 with nearly 95% support, declaring that “Texas should prohibit Sharia law.” We warn that if incremental Sharia influence, through proposed enclaves, special accommodations, radical networks, or “boiling the frog” tactics, is allowed to take hold in Texas, the entire nation will soon be at risk. CPAC stands firmly and unapologetically against any imposition of Sharia law in freedom-loving countries.

Presented by CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp. Western civilization is grappling with deep ideological conflicts and faces a stark choice. The future for our children depends on whether our civilization is shaped by the values of real men and women with deep roots in their homeland or by international entities and leftist pressure groups that undermine our core values in the name of wokeness and subservience to corrupt globalist institutions. Will our civilization stand with God, for our Homelands, and for our Families? Or will it descend into the swamp of postmodern progressivism, devoid of a moral compass, values, and direction? Will the eternal wars of the Woke Empire engulf our world, or will our sovereign nations find true peace through strength? Will the West succumb to the nightmare of liberal globalism, or will it stand tall and powerful in a world ordered by rational national interests and respect for sovereign nations? In the struggle for national freedom, rational order, and sovereign dignity, our allies around the globe play a pivotal role. We can only succeed if patriots from the West fight alongside their American brothers and sisters for the soul of the West. Conservatives from the Americas, Europe, and freedom lovers from all corners of the world must join this fight. Our alliance is perhaps best exemplified by the special relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as well as the formidable partnership within the CPAC family. CPAC, including in Hungary, has emerged as a citadel of common sense, Christian liberty, and dignity in Europe. The upcoming Hungarian elections may chart the course for the future of Europe and the Transatlantic relationship. The outcome will determine whether another continental war erupts in the cradle of Western civilization or the Make the West Great Again movement ends the decades-long moral crisis and creates a world of peace, security, and reason. Therefore, we must fully and unreservedly endorse Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for reelection. He is the right man for Hungary, Europe, and the Transatlantic Alliance, setting an example for Patriots around the globe.

Presented by CPAC Board Member Gordon Chang. CPAC warns that the world is witnessing a dangerous resurgence of communist ideology, totalitarian and authoritarian governance, and the weaponization of legal systems to silence political opposition. From the Chinese Communist Party’s growing aggression abroad to the repression of dissidents in countries influenced by socialist or authoritarian models, freedom itself is under coordinated assault. Democratic backsliding, censorship, and politically motivated prosecutions, lawfare, are increasingly used to neutralize opposition leaders, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode constitutional institutions from within. CPAC expresses particular concern for frontline democracies such as South Korea, Taiwan, and other nations in the Indo-Pacific facing sustained pressure from communist regimes and their proxies. South Korea’s security and democratic resilience are vital not only for its own citizens but for the stability of the entire region. We stand with the South Korean people and all democratic societies confronting intimidation, political polarization fueled by external actors, and attempts to undermine their institutions through disinformation, economic coercion, or judicial overreach. Around the globe, we are seeing a pattern: elected leaders investigated, censored, or removed through politicized legal processes rather than defeated through fair elections; independent media suppressed under the guise of regulation; and civil society constrained by bureaucratic harassment. These tactics mirror the methods long used by authoritarian regimes to maintain power while preserving a façade of legality. CPAC calls on President Trump, allied governments, and freedom-loving citizens worldwide to confront this threat with clarity and resolve. This includes strengthening defense partnerships among democratic nations, imposing costs on regimes that export repression, supporting dissidents and political prisoners, and defending the principles of free speech, rule of law, and national sovereignty. The fight against communism did not end with the Cold War; it has merely evolved into new forms that demand renewed vigilance.

Presented by CPAC Board Member Jerry Daniels. CPAC strongly demands the implementation of strict nationwide photo voter ID as the essential safeguard of election integrity and democracy. Requiring government-issued photo identification at the polls is not voter suppression but common sense that every legitimate democracy uses to ensure only eligible citizens vote. Voter ID is the global standard, with 176 countries and jurisdictions requiring it, including every nation in Africa, all 12 countries in South America, nearly all of Europe, and Canada. The few U.S. states that still refuse any voter ID requirement are all Socialist/Democrat-controlled strongholds, such as California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, revealing exactly who benefits from weaker verification and eroded public trust. CPAC calls on the Republican majority in the United States Senate to take the necessary steps to immediately pass the SAVE Act. No more smoke and mirrors, no more excuses, no more bait and switch. We strongly endorse the efforts of Senator Mike Lee to bring a sense of fairness and sanity to the Senate by requiring a filibuster to live up to its definition. It's time for Senators to not merely threaten their opposition to Democratic norms but to demonstrate that they have the physical and emotional stamina to stand in the well of the Senate for days and weeks, to explain to the American people and the other 176 Democracies that election cheating is ok. Senator Thune, pass the Save America Act now.

As Passover begins this week, Jewish families gather around their tables to retell one of the oldest stories in human history - the journey from slavery to freedom. It is a story that has been told, without interruption, for thousands of years. While many Americans may know it in broad terms - Moses, Pharaoh, the Exodus - its core message reaches far beyond any one community. At its heart, Passover is about a simple but demanding truth: freedom is never automatic. It must be valued, protected, and passed on, generation after generation. That message feels especially relevant this year. The United States and Israel remain at war with Iran and its proxies, and the weight of that reality is not distant—it is personal, affecting families and communities in real time, both at home and abroad. At the same time, some Israeli hostages who were held in captivity are now home, and for those families, this will be the first Passover celebrated in freedom. It reminds us that the themes of the Exodus - captivity, deliverance, resilience - are not confined to ancient history. They continue to play out in ways that are immediate and real. Here in the United States, there has also been a shift in awareness. Rising antisemitism has made clear that even in a country defined by religious liberty, no community can take its security for granted. Incidents that once might have seemed unthinkable are now part of the national conversation. And yet, what has stood out is not just the challenge, but the response. Across the country, people have shown a willingness to speak out, to stand alongside their Jewish neighbors, and to treat antisemitism not as a niche issue, but as a broader test of our shared values. This is one theme that was discussed on several panels at CPAC this past weekend. That response reflects something essential about the American experiment. The strength of this country comes from individuals and communities who are willing to live their beliefs openly and without apology, and from a society that protects that right. Religious freedom is not sustained by words alone—it depends on a culture that takes it seriously and defends it when it is tested. This year, many Jewish families will sit at their tables with a mix of emotions—gratitude for those who are home, concern for those who are still in harm’s way, and a renewed awareness of how fragile freedom can be. But they will also do something else: they will tell the story, pass it on, and reaffirm their commitment to the values it represents. For a broader American audience, there is something meaningful in that example. The fight against hatred—whether directed at Jews, Christians, or any other group—is strongest when it is shared. It is about recognizing that a threat to one community’s freedom is, ultimately, a threat to the integrity of the society as a whole. Passover does not end with hardship. It ends with hope. With the belief that things can be better, that freedom can endure, and that people of faith—across different traditions but with shared commitments—can stand together in defense of it. That is a message worth carrying beyond this week, and one that speaks directly to the kind of country Americans continue to strive to build. Chag Pesach Sameach—and to all who are reflecting on the meaning of freedom in their own way, a meaningful and hopeful season.

By Simon Laird, CPAC Policy Analyst In March, Kentucky lawmakers voted to opt in to President Trump’s nationwide scholarship plan - a huge win for school choice in the Bluegrass state. The scholarship plan was created at the Federal level via the One Big Beautiful Bill in 2025. Under the plan, anyone in America can donate up to $1,700 to a Scholarship Granting Organization and receive a $1,700 tax credit the next time they file their taxes. The Scholarship Granting Organization, in turn, gives scholarships to K-12 students. In order to be eligible, a student’s state must opt in to the program. Opting in is a common-sense move. If a state does not opt in, the scholarship dollars will simply go to other states. Zero state budget dollars are used for these scholarships. That’s why 28 states have opted into the scholarship program so far. Most state governors who have opted in have been Republicans, but Democratic governor Jared Polis of Colorado also opted in, calling the program “a real boom of investment in kids.” Students will begin receiving funds in 2027.  Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky intended to exclude Kentucky from the scholarship program, blocking Kentucky kids from access to millions of dollars of scholarship money. Andy Beshear came from a wealthy family and attended private schools for part of his education. He also sent his kids to private schools for part of their education, but he has fought to make it more difficult for other people to attend private schools. Earlier in March, the Kentucky legislature intervened and passed a law that will ensure that Kentucky students are able to get scholarships through the Federal program, despite Andy Beshear’s opposition. Since the new scholarship program does not use any state education dollars, the program enjoyed broad support among Kentucky legislators, even those who had previously been reluctant to endorse school choice measures. According to the Federal statute, a state’s decision to opt in is made either by the governor or by another official as specified by state law. Kentucky legislators passed a law to take the decision out of Andy Beshear’s hands and put it in the hands of the Secretary of State, who is expected to opt in, freeing up millions of dollars of much-needed funding for students and schools in Kentucky. Governor Beshear attempted to veto the law, but it was overridden.

Presented by CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp. CPAC strongly supports President Donald J. Trump’s decisive leadership in restoring stability, sovereignty, and democratic accountability throughout the Western Hemisphere. After years of neglect that allowed hostile regimes, transnational criminal organizations, and foreign adversaries to expand their influence, President Trump has reasserted American strength. From confronting the socialist dictatorship in Venezuela and standing with the Cuban people, to challenging the authoritarian regimes in Nicaragua and beyond, his administration has made clear that America will not surrender to tyranny, narco-terrorism, or foreign powers seeking to undermine freedom. President Trump’s policies have strengthened border security, disrupted human trafficking networks, and reduced the chaos that destabilizes nations across the region. By pressuring regimes that cause mass migration through repression and economic mismanagement, while supporting pro-freedom movements and democratic leaders, his administration has addressed the root causes of instability rather than merely managing its consequences. At the same time, renewed economic partnerships grounded in fair trade, energy independence, and private-sector development offer a pathway to prosperity that stands in stark contrast to the failed socialist models that have impoverished millions. CPAC supports expanding sanctions against corrupt officials; strengthening alliances with democratic governments; and countering the growing presence of China, Iran, and other hostile actors in the region. The Monroe Doctrine’s core principle, that outside powers must not dominate the Americas, remains as relevant today as ever. The people of the Western Hemisphere deserve freedom, security, and opportunity, not exploitation by authoritarian regimes or criminal networks.

Thursday, April 16 until Sunday, April 19 in Hilton Head, South Carolina There is no shot in golf more iconic than the drive on the 18th at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Be apart of the CPAC Circle Retreat and be where the drama begins for the final hole of the RBC Heritage. We invite you to join us for an exclusive tournament experience situated directly at the 18th tee box . Watch the world’s best golfers take their final aim at the lighthouse while you enjoy the pinnacle of Lowcountry hospitality. For $3,500.00 per-person enjoy the comfort of our private suite featuring all-inclusive gourmet dining and a full bar, private restrooms, and unparalleled views of the golf course, the lighthouse, and the Calibogue Sound. Following the day’s play, guests are invited to an Evening Reception  hosted at the home of a CPAC Board Member on Hilton Head Island. This gathering is the perfect opportunity to unwind. Exclusive Hotel Block To ensure your retreat is seamless, we have secured a dedicated hotel block  for our guests. Avoid the hassle of event-season bookings and enjoy the convenience of staying close to the action. Note:  Rooms within the CPAC block are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred accommodations. Experience the RBC Heritage with CPAC space is strictly limited to maintain the exclusivity of the suite. For more information please contact, Alisa Sobol via email at ASobol@mail.conservative.org .

In partnership with McLaughlin & Associates, CPAC is excited to release the Straw Poll results held during CPAC USA 2026. Based on the Straw Poll CPAC Attendee Survey conducted from March 25th to 28th, 2026, these are the polling results for each category: 2028 Republican primary election for President: J.D. Vance: 53% Marco Rubio: 35% Ron DeSantis: 2% Donald Trump, Jr.: 2% Ted Cruz: 1% Pete Hegseth: 1% Rand Paul: 1% Tulsi Gabbard: 1% Greg Abbott: 1% Undecided: 3% Favorite member of Donald Trump's Cabinet: Marco Rubio: 42% Pete Hegseth: 14% Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: 8% Scott Bessent: 6% Tulsi Gabbard: 5% Pam Bondi: 3% Doug Burgum: 3% Brooke Rollins: 3% John Ratcliffe: 3% Sean Duffy: 2% Linda McMahon: 1% Kelly Loeffler: 1% Scott Turner: 1% Don't Know: 9% Second-favorite member of Donald Trump's Cabinet: Pete Hegseth: 21% Marco Rubio: 18% Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.: 10% Scott Bessent: 9% Tulsi Gabbard: 6% Pam Bondi: 6% Brooke Rollins: 4% Doug Burgum: 3% Linda McMahon: 2% John Ratcliffe: 2% Sean Duffy: 2% Scott Turner: 2% Kelly Loeffler: 2% Don't Know: 5% Approve or disapprove of the job that Donald Trump is doing as President: Approve: 96% (Strongly: 84%, Somewhat: 12%) Disapprove: 4% (Somewhat: 3%, Strongly: 1%) Unsure: 1% Approve or disapprove of the job that J.D. Vance is doing as Vice President of the United States: Approve: 92% (Strongly: 78%, Somewhat: 14%) Disapprove: 6% (Somewhat: 4%, Strongly: 2%) Unsure: 2% Approve or disapprove of the job that Mike Johnson is doing as Speaker of the House of Representatives: Approve: 84% (Strongly: 55%, Somewhat: 29%) Disapprove: 9% (Somewhat: 6%, Strongly: 3%) Unsure: 8% Approve or disapprove of the job John Thune is doing as the Senate Majority Leader: Approve: 57% (Strongly: 29%, Somewhat: 29%) Disapprove: 29% (Somewhat: 15%, Strongly: 14%) Unsure: 14% Agree or disagree that Donald Trump has been the best President in my lifetime: Agree: 94% (Strongly: 80%, Somewhat: 14%) Disagree: 5% (Somewhat: 3%, Strongly: 2%) Unsure: 1% Most articulate leftist: Gavin Newsom: 14% Zohran Mamdani: 14% Adam Schiff: 6% Gretchen Whitmer: 5% Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: 4% Ilhan Omar: 4% Nancy Pelosi: 4% Chuck Schumer: 4% Hakeem Jeffries: 4% J.B. Pritzker: 3% Eric Swalwell: 3% John Fetterman: 2% Kamala Harris: 2% Rashida Talib: 2% Josh Shapiro: 1% Other: 2% Unsure: 19% None: 6% Texas Republican Primary runoff for U.S. Senate (Among Texas Voters): Ken Paxton: 67% John Cornyn: 21% Unsure: 12% Texas Republican Primary runoff for Attorney General (Among Texas Voters): Mayes Middleton: 87% Chip Roy: 7% Unsure: 6% President Trump’s use of tariffs: Approve: 91% (Strongly: 69%, Somewhat: 22%) Disapprove: 7% (Somewhat: 4%, Strongly: 3%) Unsure: 2% President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force in Iran: Approve: 89% (Strongly: 70%, Somewhat: 19%) Disapprove: 8% (Somewhat: 4%, Strongly: 4%) Unsure: 3% President Trump arresting Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro: Approve: 92% (Strongly: 75%, Somewhat: 16%) Disapprove: 6% (Somewhat: 4%, Strongly: 1%) Unsure: 3% Helping Republicans maintain the majority in the House and Senate should be the most important political goal: Agree: 93% (Strongly: 75%, Somewhat: 18%) Disagree: 4% (Somewhat: 3%, Strongly: 1%) Unsure: 3% Conservative leaders/influencers are creating unnecessary controversy and division in the MAGA movement: Agree: 88% (Strongly: 62%, Somewhat: 26%) Disagree: 8% (Somewhat: 5%, Strongly: 3%) Unsure: 4% Israel continues to be one of the United States’ most important strategic allies: Agree: 85% (Strongly: 60%, Somewhat: 25%) Disagree: 11% (Somewhat: 6%, Strongly: 5%) Unsure: 4% American Conservatives should be helping to promote and elect pro-American Conservative leaders throughout the world: Agree: 91% (Strongly: 66%, Somewhat: 25%) Disagree: 6% (Somewhat: 4%, Strongly: 2%) Unsure: 4% How did you FIRST hear about CPAC: Word of Mouth: 26% Cable News Networks: 21% Social Media: 16% Internet: 16% Real America's Voice (War Room): 8% Ads/Commercials: 6% Unsure: 8% Best way to fight against woke elites: Investing in Conservative Grassroots Efforts: 55% Investing in the National Republican Party: 15% Developing Policies at Think Tanks: 13% None/Other: 6% Unsure: 12% Cable News outlet trusted the most: Fox News: 37% Newsmax: 27% News Nation: 8% MSNBC: 3% CNN: 2% None: 16% Don't Know: 6% View the full results on CPAC.org/StrawPoll .