GRAPEVINE, TEXAS — At this year's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a striking generational divide has emerged within the MAGA movement, particularly over President Donald Trump’s recent military actions in Iran. Joseph Bolick, a 30-year-old veteran who supported Trump in the 2024 elections, is emblematic of the discontent brewing among younger conservatives. “He’s lied about everything,” Bolick declared, criticizing the lack of a clear objective in the Iran conflict.

This sentiment was echoed widely at CPAC, where younger attendees expressed disillusionment with Trump’s decision to engage militarily in the Middle East, a move that contradicts his earlier campaign promises of non-intervention. This has caused a rift, not only among the grassroots but also among conservative influencers and some White House staff.

Andrew Belcher, 21, president of the Ohio College Republicans, voiced concerns about the political repercussions of the ongoing war. “Trump and Republicans are going to have major issues in the midterms, and in 2028 if this isn’t resolved quickly,” he noted, pointing out Trump’s declining popularity among the "hyper online" young men influenced by media figures advocating isolationism.

A recent POLITICO poll highlights this division, showing a stark contrast in support for Trump’s war strategy between older and younger MAGA supporters. While more than 70 percent of those over 35 believe Trump has a coherent plan, only 49 percent of those under 35 agree. Furthermore, younger MAGA men are significantly more likely to oppose the sacrifice of American lives for unclear objectives in Iran.

The conference itself presented a visual representation of these tensions. Some older attendees displayed symbols of support for exiled Iran Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, viewing the conflict as a resolution to a long-standing issue, while many young attendees wore "America First" hats, advocating for non-intervention.

Discussions of the economic impact of the war, such as rising gas and fuel prices, also dominated conversations among younger participants. “A lot of the young generation feels that there’s just not a lot of hope for the economy,” shared a 30-year-old attendee, reflecting a broader concern about the long-term consequences of the conflict.

Despite these divisions, senior figures at CPAC urged unity. Mercedes Schlapp, a senior fellow for the CPAC Foundation, implored the audience to stand together. “We cannot divide from within,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in an election year.

The CPAC stage also became a platform for dissent against the mainstream conservative stance on the war. Former Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz highlighted the dangers of military occupation in Iran, warning of the economic and security repercussions. "A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe,” Gaetz argued, a sentiment resonating with many young conservatives at the conference.

As CPAC wrapped up, the divide within the party was apparent, with young MAGA supporters increasingly vocal about their disapproval of Trump’s foreign policy decisions, signaling potential challenges for the GOP as it navigates upcoming electoral battles.