Supporters wait for the arrival of former President Donald Trump at CPAC. Photograph by Evy Mages
The annual Conservative Political Action Conference, better known as CPAC, wrapped up this past weekend at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.
Looking more like a Trump rally than a political conference, the annual event involved rambling (and inaccurate) remarks from former President Trump, MAGA merch booths filled with tchotchkes and apparel (including bedazzled gun-shaped purses), and the notable absence of many Republican leaders.
Our reporter Sylvie McNamara covered the scene outside the convention center, where she struggled to keep up with conspiracy-laden conversations on satanic cannibalism and JFK Jr. Photographer Evy Mages, meanwhile, got inside.
Steve Bannon and Nigel Farage.Known as the “Brick Suit” man, Blake Marnell, middle, is a regular fixture at Trump rallies.
Michael J. Lindell, a.k.a the “My Pillow Guy.”Bedazzled gun-shaped purses.
Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump.Five CPAC attendees wearing coordinated T-shirts that spell “TRUMP.”Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary under President Donald Trump.A CPAC attendee distributing “Make America Great Again” stickers at the entrance to the event.
A CPAC attendee holds an American flag while wearing an Old Glory hat.A CPAC attendee wears a T-shirt in support of the Proud Boys.Florida Representative Matt Gaetz.Donald John Trump Jr.Sebastian Gorka (left), media personality and former deputy assistant to President Trump.Micki Witthoeft, center, is the mother of Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot by police inside the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 insurrection.A woman poses in a “Trump 2024” dress during CPAC 2023.A group of CPAC attendees.
