The American Conservative Union, which organizes the annual gathering, said it was "disappointed" that Trump "decided at the last minute to drop out of CPAC," and that his absence would send "a clear message to grassroots conservatives." From the paying attendees to the headliners on stage, CPAC's embrace of Trump -- both the man and his politics -- is complete. "Most of all, President Trump brought us one really fantastic thing," he said. "You have Rick Saccone, who's running in this Pennsylvania special election and he said, 'I was Trump before Trump was Trump.' Kirk and Turning Point USA's members are fierce culture warriors.

Source: CNN February 23, 2018 20:03 UTC