CPAC 2025: Musk, Milei, Vance Among Day 1 Speakers

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1 day ago

Above: Elon Musk and Argentinian Pres. Javier Milei at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Feb. 20, 2025 Image copyright: SAUL LOEB/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated 21 hours ago

The Facts

On Day 1 of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, Elon Musk hoisted a chainsaw on stage after Argentina's Javier Milei handed him the power tool. The chainsaw has become Milei's symbol for slashing bureaucracy and public spending since 2023.
This comes as Musk, who spearheads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made a late-scheduled appearance on the first day of the conservative gathering in Maryland for an interview with Newsmax host Rob Schmitt.
The three-day conference was opened by US Vice Pres. JD Vance, who claimed that unvetted immigration is the greatest threat to Europe and the US, and said that the strength of America's important alliances with European nations depends on shared values such as freedom of expression and democracy.

The Spin

Left narrative

CPAC has devolved into a spectacle of extremism, promoting dangerous figures and fringe ideas that undermine American democracy. Once a more simple gathering for conservatives to discuss policy, it's now dominated by radicalism and populism, with Trump and his acolytes leading the charge. The uncritical embrace of these toxic ideologies, glorified at CPAC, poses a real threat to international security and political stability.

Guardian Aaron Rupar on X

Right narrative

CPAC is a vital force for conservative values, such as free speech, sovereignty, and the fight against globalism. It has provided a platform for Trump and other leaders facing relentless opposition from the establishment to push back against elitist agendas. That the convention has risen to mainstream prominence is a testament to its relevance — inspiring similar efforts globally to reclaim national pride, individual freedoms, and democratic principles.

Matt Schlapp on X The Telegraph