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2024 was a landmark year for CPAC and the conservative movement.     CPAC fought alongside President Donald J. Trump in the monumental 2024 election to secure a victory for freedom.  We strengthened our advocacy for government accountability, an end to human trafficking, regulatory freedom, and criminal justice reform, and we formed new partnerships to promote a cultural renaissance of conservative values. The future of the conservative movement in America and around the world can only get brighter from here. We are so excited for what 2025 will bring, and we know it will be bigger and better than 2024.   The new year is always a symbol of new beginnings, and a new dawn is breaking over America in 2025.  In just 20 days, President Donald J. Trump will return to office and mark a new era of freedom and prosperity for America.   2025 will be a year of revival: revival of common sense, revival of family, revival of faith, and revival of freedom.   2024 showed the power of perseverance and determination. With an unbreakable spirit, anything can be accomplished. CPAC will never give up on the fight for freedom. We will not be complacent either.   We are charging full speed ahead into 2025 to defend and promote freedom until the Communists and globalists are totally defeated. Will you join us?

“We are in the middle of a war in this country,” stated businessman and now-Trump's pick to head DOGE, Vivek Ramaswamy at CPAC in DC 2024.   “It is a war between those of us who love the United States of America and our founding ideals and a fringe minority who hates this country and what we actually stand for, and right now, more than ever, we need a Commander-in-Chief who is going to lead us to victory in that war, and that man is Donald J. Trump, the next 47th President of the United States of America.”  The Democrats have done everything they possibly can to put Americans last and dilute American culture. They have devalued American citizens’ votes, weakened our military, turned Americans against each other, and demonized the founding and family values.   Frustration with the situation is permeating all communities. Donald Trump is uniting a diverse group of people with his common sense, America First policies.   “The principles I"m talking about right here of putting our own national interests first to say that America First includes every American, black or white, man or woman, southside of Chicago to California, that’s a message that I think will deliver us a landslide of what Reagan delivered in 1980. That’s what we can do again this year in 2024,” Ramaswamy predicted.   Watch Ramaswamy’s full remarks on Rumble @CPAC, and learn more about CPAC in DC 2025 at CPAC.org .

The first Trump administration established peace in Russia, China, North Korea, the Balkans, and the Middle East, all areas experiencing tension or conflict today under the Biden administration. Ambassador Ric Grenell, and Trump's special missions envoy for his second term, explains how the Trump administration did it and what a second Trump administration would do to fix it the Biden administration’s foreign policy disaster. The Trump administration established peace by putting pressure on its NATO allies to finally carry their weight and contribute 2% of their GDP to NATO’s defense of their countries. They curbed Europe’s reliance on Russian energy and sanctioned the Nord stream pipeline. Now, NATO has gone soft and member dues are funding woke initiatives like climate change programs, and Russia is waging war on Ukraine. In the Middle East, Trump ended funding to terrorist groups and states, such as Iran, funding that the Biden administration resumed. Now, Israel is fighting for its life in an existential war with Iran-backed Hamas. Tough diplomacy is the solution to the wars and aggression from our enemies. An assertive America leading the world from a position of economic and military strength worked to bring peace and prosperity in Trump’s first term, and it will work again in a second term. In Grenell’s words, “You better have an SOB diplomat if you want to avoid war.” Watch the full conversation on Rumble @CPAC and learn more about CPAC in DC 2025 at CPAC.org .

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come!”   Christ the King is born today! We rejoice and give thanks that God has shown us His mercy and glory by sending His Son as hope for the world. What a wondrous occasion!   God has truly blessed our country with many freedoms and opportunities to prosper. Especially this year, He has blessed us with a bright future. Christmas is the timely reminder that God will not abandon us. He came to our aid two thousand years ago ,and though he came as just a little baby, he showed his might and endless mercy. Because of Christmas, we always have hope for the light to shine in the darkness. We hope your Christmas is filled with the peace and joy of Christ. Merry Christmas from CPAC!

As the sun sets on Wednesday night December 25, the 8-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah will commence, bringing with it a bittersweet message that echoes across more than two millennia of history. As the sky darkens, one candle will be lit in millions of homes around the world, marking the first night of the holiday. It will be followed by two candles on Thursday night, three on Friday night, and onward until reaching eight candles on the final night. The story of Hanukkah celebrates the remarkable and unlikely military victory of a small band of Judeans who faced down a mighty Syrian-Greek empire that was bent on forcibly imposing their religion and culture on them. This small group - led by Mathasias and his five sons, the most famous of whom was Judah the Maccabee -  fought for their religious freedom, and after a series of stunning and miraculous battles over the course of three years, succeeded in retaking the Temple in Jerusalem and rededicating it to the service of G-d. What most people don’t realize, however, is that just a few short years afterwards the Judeans again lost the Temple and Jerusalem, and 4 out of 5 of those brothers - including Judah - fell in battle. It took many more years for full freedom and sovereignty to be achieved. Perhaps a lesson of the holiday is to learn to find causes for celebration even amidst challenges and darkness, and to recognize the goodness of G-d even if the entire sky isn’t yet full of light. Speaking of light, one such ray of light for the Jewish people in recent years has been Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. She symbolically joined Jewish attendees at CPAC this year to light Shabbat candles, and spoke about what motivated her to take the lead in fighting antisemitism in America’s elite colleges and universities. President Trump should be applauded for nominating her to be the US Ambassador to the United Nations, a place of great darkness where the congresswoman will serve as a beacon of light. With her relentless moral clarity, she has tweeted out almost daily about the hostages still held in Hamas captivity. Even as we approach a mind-boggling 450 days of captivity, the congresswoman insists that we not resign ourselves to this evil, but shine a light on it so that we can do everything in our power to bring home these precious individuals, including 7 Americans. The Congresswoman isn’t alone; the incoming administration is already being staffed by many people who are part of the CPAC family, who embody common sense, a passion of truth and justice, and a willingness to call out evil and fight for what is good in the world. During this holiday season, as we enjoy the shimmering lights that seem to be all around us, let us take a moment to contemplate what more we can be doing to bring the light of human dignity to those in our surroundings, and to offer a prayer for those who are in places of darkness, wherever they may be in the world. And let us pray and work for bright days ahead.

By Judi Ottmann Since the November election, the news has moved at lightning speed - especially as we near the presidential inauguration in January. Yet I still pause, at times, to simply reflect on the sheer magnitude of the Trump win. It was a big, beautiful miraculous victory and I’m still in awe. A few days after the election, I traveled to Palm Beach, Florida from my home in Houston, Texas to participate in the annual CPAC Investor Summit, held November 15 at Mar-a-Lago. ‘Beyond surreal’ Given the historic nature of this win - a visit to Trump’s residence so soon after the election was beyond surreal and I am incredibly grateful to CPAC for creating this opportunity. More than 300 people from throughout the U.S. and world participated in the summit. We were there to celebrate Trump’s victory and hear from the inner circle about the winning strategies and future plans. Trump’s ’unshakable resolve’ The day-long event included an evening poolside party, where the president-elect joined us to talk about the overwhelming victory and his plans going forward. He said voters sent a clear message that Americans want a country based on common sense again: “We won in massive numbers; we won the swing states, we won the popular vote,” he said. “It gave us a mandate like we’ve never seen before.” House Speaker Mike Johnson joined Trump at the poolside podium, where he told a story about the president-elect’s unshakable resolve during the campaign. The speaker said he had asked Trump in a private meeting how he was able to keep up his energy with such a relentless schedule. “He looked at me and said, ‘Mike, we’ve got to leave it all on the field. I told my staff to book out every hour of every day from now until the election because the stakes are so high.’” Trump continued: “What if we lost? I would be asking myself forever: What if I had done one more rally? Talked to one more group? Shook one more hand?” Strategies for success The day’s program began early in the ballroom with Argentina President Javier Milei giving the opening keynote. He received huge applause as he made his way to the podium. Milei was elected in 2023 on the promise to radically cut government waste and spending, which was crippling Argentina’s economy. Milei succeeded in helping his country go from a fiscal deficit to a surplus during his first six months in office. He continues to navigate economic growth and remains a popular president. We heard from RNC Chair Michael Whatley, who talked about the party’s successful election strategies, with an intense focus on early voting and election integrity. Several of Trump’s cabinet nominees were also part of the speaker lineup including Vivek Ramaswamy, who had a lot to say about a no-apologies approach to cutting government waste. He will join Elon Musk to lead the highly anticipated Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE. Trump’s new FCC chair nominee, Brendan Carr, outlined his priorities to end excessive censorship and restore trust in media - saying the FCC can “do a lot” to ensure broadcasters serve the public interest. He’s also looking to reduce excessive regulations that are crippling America’s job creators and provide rural communities with greater access to the internet. CPAC and the grassroots The Mar-a-Lago summit was a memory of a lifetime. CPAC does a phenomenal job bringing together the grassroots community with those at the highest levels of government - offering an experience like no other. I have a real passion for our country and currently serve as a precinct chair with the Harris County Republican Party - working alongside others to help get out the vote, support candidates and work elections. Several years ago, I got involved in CPAC and highly recommend it to others. I’ve made new friends along the way and have gained a much deeper understanding of the issues and policies that are affecting us the most. CPAC in DC 2025 is set for February 19-25. Hope to see you there!

When it comes to massive pieces of legislation, conservatives have long sounded the alarm about the perils of sprawling, unmanageable bills packed with pork and riddled with hidden provisions. The recent 1,500-plus-page "CRamnibus" was no exception. It was a monstrosity of government overreach—an unreadable, unaccountable juggernaut crammed with unnecessary spending and policies that defy common sense. But even amidst the legislative wreckage, there was one glimmer of hope: long-overdue reform of the Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) system. While it is good news that the CRamnibus was scuttled, the attention to PBM reform within the proposed bill underscores an issue that policymakers on both sides of the aisle must address—and quickly. Pharmacy Benefit Managers, the so-called "middlemen" in the prescription drug supply chain, have been quietly driving up drug costs for years, enriching themselves at the expense of patients, taxpayers, and even the pharmaceutical industry. Former President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of PBMs, as evidenced in his recent comments on the subject . Trump’s commitment to eliminating these parasitic entities is a testament to his understanding of the real drivers of America’s healthcare crisis. It’s time for Congress to follow his lead and take decisive action. The Problem with PBMs Let’s start with the basics. PBMs were originally conceived as intermediaries to negotiate better drug prices on behalf of insurers and consumers. In theory, they were supposed to bring efficiency to the system. In practice, however, they’ve become a major source of inefficiency, opacity, and skyrocketing costs. PBMs profit by negotiating rebates from drug manufacturers and pocketing a sizable portion of those savings for themselves. These deals are often hidden from public view, creating a system that lacks transparency and accountability. Worse, PBMs have been known to steer patients toward higher-priced drugs because they yield larger rebates—not because they’re the best or most affordable option for the patient. In his remarks, President Trump hit the nail on the head: “The middleman... makes more money frankly than the drug companies, and they don’t do anything except they’re a middleman.” This isn’t hyperbole; it’s a fact. PBMs have positioned themselves as toll collectors in a system that should prioritize the well-being of patients, not the bottom lines of bureaucratic middlemen. Trump’s Push to “Knock Out the Middleman” President Trump has been unrelenting in his critique of PBMs, and rightly so. During his presidency, he introduced several measures to increase transparency and curb the power of these middlemen, but the entrenched system resisted significant change. Now, as the nation gears up for another election cycle, Trump has doubled down on his commitment to reform. “We’re going to knock out the middleman,” Trump declared, vowing to bring drug costs down to levels “that nobody has ever seen before.” He is absolutely correct to target PBMs as a key driver of high drug prices. By eliminating or at least severely curbing the influence of PBMs, we can finally address the root causes of price inflation in the pharmaceutical market. Trump’s willingness to take on PBMs is also emblematic of his broader approach to governance: identify the problem, ignore the lobbyists, and prioritize the needs of the American people. This is the kind of leadership we need in Congress as it grapples with this issue. The CRamnibus: A Cautionary Tale The failure of the CRamnibus should serve as a warning to policymakers. Massive, unwieldy bills are no way to govern. They are impossible to scrutinize, rife with wasteful spending, and often serve as vehicles for unrelated pet projects. The American people deserve better. However, the fact that PBM reform made it into the CRamnibus is a testament to the urgency and importance of this issue. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of legislative chaos, there are opportunities to advance good policy. Moving forward, Congress must ensure that PBM reform is addressed in a more focused and transparent manner. This is not an issue that can wait for the next bloated spending package. A Path Forward So, what should PBM reform look like? Here are a few key principles that policymakers should consider: Transparency : PBMs must be required to disclose their rebate structures, pricing models, and any financial incentives that could influence their decision-making. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and transparency will go a long way toward curbing abuses. Direct-to-Consumer Pricing : Patients should be able to see the real cost of their medications, without the convoluted layers of pricing and rebates that PBMs use to obscure the truth. Accountability : PBMs must be held accountable for their actions. This includes stricter oversight and penalties for practices that harm patients or distort the market. Competition : Policymakers should encourage competition among PBMs and explore alternatives that eliminate the need for middlemen altogether. Free-market competition is the most effective way to drive down costs and improve quality. The Stakes Are High Reforming the PBM system is not just about saving money; it’s about saving lives. High drug costs force too many Americans to choose between their medications and other basic necessities. This is unacceptable in a nation as prosperous as ours. The enduring importance of solving the PBM problem cannot be overstated. It is a rare issue that unites Americans across political and ideological lines. It is a challenge that demands immediate attention and decisive action. And it is an opportunity for policymakers to prove that they can rise above partisanship to do what is right for the American people. As President Trump has so aptly put it, the middleman must go. It’s time to knock out the PBMs and restore sanity to our healthcare system. For the sake of patients, taxpayers, and the future of our nation, Congress must make PBM reform a top priority in the coming year. Let’s hope they rise to the occasion.

On this special episode of America Uncanceled, host of It’s Not About Us, Elaine Beck, sits down with Mercedes Schlapp to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025.   “We’re all so joyful about so many things. We just can’t stop talking about, you know, the joy of seeing the future with hope. That’s my word right now. God keeps telling me, ‘You have hope.’,” said Beck. “Now, the task is in our hands, especially as Christians, it’s in our hands to remember that this time, we can’t go, ‘Oh yay! We won! It’s over! We have someone who can handle everything!’ We have to remember that we played a part by voting but voting isn’t all we’re responsible for.”  Their conversation spanned the 2024 election, the incoming Trump administration, CPAC Argentina, and CPAC’s role in growing the conservative movement. Watch the full discussion on CPAC+.

Concerns are rising in Asia. Instability is creeping into South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol‘s martial law declaration prompted his impeachment and left the country without an elected leader. Meanwhile, China is strengthening its overall military position and increasing its presence around Taiwan.   The eighth annual CPAC Japan brought policymakers from Japan, the United States, South Korea and beyond to the table to find collaborative solutions that support freedom and peace in the region.   President Trump’s newly-appointed presidential envoy for special missions and CPAC board member, Ric Grenell, was among those policymakers that also included Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Members of the House of Representatives of Japan Yuichiro Tamaki, Hitoshi Aoyagi, and Manabu Matsuda.   "These events in Japan are just having a great impact. There's a lot of concern in the region," commented CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp, adding that Japan is "one of America's most important allies." At CPAC Japan 2024, the United States and Japan came together at a crucial time, on the cusp of a second Trump presidency and as the Japan-based SoftBank announced a massive $100 billion investment in the United States. Together, the two nations are promising to be powerful forces for freedom and stability for the next four years and beyond.   See more from CPAC Japan on social media @CPAC.

Mysterious drones have been spotted over New Jersey, Maryland, and more the last two weeks, frightening citizens. The Biden administration and military remain silent on the issue and refuse to provide answers, frustrating the American public and doing nothing to ease fears. Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Department of Defense intelligence operative, Tony Shaffer weighed in on the situation on America Uncanceled with Mercedes Schlapp.   “It could well be just a distraction by the Biden folks to make sure that we watch the bright shiny objects, literally, and don’t pay attention to the thousands of pardons and other things they’re doing as they go out the door,” Shaffer theorized.   President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue at his press conference earlier this week with assurances that the military knows what is going, but he lambasted the Biden administration for keeping the truth from the American people.   “The American people do deserve to have the truth,” said Shaffer. “They know full well what is going on, and it’s tragic but fitting that the Biden administration end it’s time in office by lying to the American people.”  Congress, with bi-partisan support, is now pushing for legislation that could provide some clarity on what is going on and would empower localities to handle these kinds of situations.   Watch Shaffer and Schlapp’s full conversation about these unidentified drones and national security on CPAC+.

Director of CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom Andrew Langer hosted a panel discussion with Doug Collins, now President Trump's pick for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Stephen Moore, and Brendan Carr, now Trump's pick for FCC Commissioner, at CPAC in DC 2024 on federal regulations in healthcare, on the Internet, home appliances, the workforce, and the environment. Overall, the panel unpacked just how bad Bidenomics is for America's economic health. Bidenomics is largely characterized by manifold federal regulations and the expansion of federal power. All that red tape ultimately steals freedom, stifles innovation, and stunts the American economy.  We are witnessing the reality of this right now. “Under Obama, the average family saw their costs rise by $5,000 per family because of regulations. Under Donald Trump...the average regulatory cost per family fell by $3,000 per family, and under Biden it’s been raised by another $6,000. So, regulation is a tax on the American economy,” shared Moore.   President Trump removed many of the regulations that were expanded by the Obama administration, but the Biden administration undid the work of President Trump and added even more regulations to the law books. The vast number of regulations is indicative of the power that unelected bureaucrats in the administrative state have over laws and the everyday lives of Americans, a concept that is threatening the will of the people. Watch the full conversation from Langer, Carr, Collins, and Moore on Rumble @CPAC, and make plans to see more great speeches at CPAC in DC 2025 at CPAC.org/2025 .

The increasingly radical nature of the Democrat Party forced former Congresswoman, author of new book, “For Love of Country”, and now President Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to depart the Democrat Party and to express her support for President Donald Trump and comments on the state of American politics at CPAC in DC 2024. The Left has adopted increasingly radical views and is attempting to eliminate anyone who disagrees. The multiple ongoing legal battles against President Donald Trump and the attempts to take him off the ballot in the 2024 election are evidence of the Left’s dictatorial methods to abolish democracy and freedom and remove political opponents. “They are waging a multi-front battle and they will stop at nothing until they’re successful,” said Gabbard. “A very dangerous precedent is being set. Our democratic republic is being destroyed by the permanent Washington elite, and they are people in both political parties who truly believe they, and not the American people, have the right to decide who should be our president.” Hear Gabbard’s full take on the Democrat Party and the 2024 election on Rumble @CPAC .