Trump Takes Center Stage at CPAC; Vows to Cut Government Bureaucracy

NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland, Feb. 22, 2025 — President Donald Trump celebrated his first month in office during a rally-like address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, on Saturday. The gathering provided a platform for Trump to tout his administration’s achievements amid a backdrop of deep federal cuts and ongoing tensions with political allies.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Trump highlighted his successes since assuming the presidency on January 20, including significant staff reductions across federal agencies. Trump criticized former President Joe Biden, saying, “Every single thing he touched turned to shit,” prompting a standing ovation from attendees.

A straw poll conducted among conference participants indicated overwhelming support for Trump. Pollster Jim McLaughlin announced that 99% of attendees approved of Trump, while 61% favored his vice president, J.D. Vance, as the Republican nominee for the 2028 election.

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms, complicating Trump’s potential run in 2028. Trump, however, teased his audience during a Black History Month event, asking, “Should I run again? You tell me.”

In his first month of presidency, Trump has ignited a range of controversies, including appointing billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to lead an initiative aimed at streamlining federal agencies. During his CPAC speech, Trump praised Musk, saying, “Elon is doing a great job. We love Elon, don’t we?” Musk’s directives to federal employees have recently raised eyebrows, warning staff members to comply with cuts or face termination.

Amidst the applause, Musk received an enthusiastic welcome at CPAC, having been handed a chainsaw on stage by Argentine President Javier Milei, celebrating a perceived assault on bureaucratic waste.

Despite his populist approach, Trump’s foreign policy actions have ruffled feathers, as he insisted European allies increase their financial contributions to NATO, urging them to take on a larger role in defense matters.

On the topic of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump asserted the U.S. commitment to sharing revenue derived from Ukrainian minerals, while his administration faces criticism for perceived isolation from Ukrainian officials in negotiations to conclude the war with Russia.

During the conference, Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, revealed that national security adviser Mike Waltz is expected to work tirelessly to broker a resolution to the conflict this weekend.

Although Trump has maintained a unified front with the MAGA base, his comments regarding Ukraine have created divisions within the Republican Party. Some GOP members, including Senators John Kennedy (La.) and Roger Wicker (Miss.), have vocally condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling for accountability for his actions.

The potential ideological fissures were evident with the announcement that the Principles First Summit, an anti-Trump event featuring notable detractors from within the party, will occur concurrently with CPAC in Washington, D.C. Notable speakers at this alternative summit will include former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and ex-Representative Adam Kinzinger.

As CPAC concluded with Trump’s highly anticipated keynote address, the conference notably signified a celebration for the political right following the party’s recent electoral gains and marked a key moment for Trump to reassert his dominance over the GOP.

CPAC, now a traditional venue for Republican leaders, has changed in recent years, shifting towards a focus on Trump’s core supporters. This year’s event reframed the narrative around Trump’s administration as a solidification of the MAGA movement’s influence within the Republican Party.