Donald Trump captivated the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) with his characteristic bravado and self-promotion. Addressing the gathering for the 15th time, Trump took the stage to share his achievements, forecast future accolades, and criticize both opponents and media. Trump projected confidence in his ability to secure the Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. He also mocked President Joe Biden and flaunted his own accomplishments, casting himself as an unrivaled leader in American history.
Trump's national security adviser, Mike Waltz, claimed that Trump works tirelessly, putting in 21 or 22 hours a day. Sarah Huckabee Sanders echoed this sentiment, describing Trump as "maybe the most popular human on the face of the planet right now" and noting his seemingly boundless energy. Sanders elaborated, saying, "He doesn’t sleep. He doesn’t expect anyone to sleep either. He’s twice my age and has twice my energy."
During his speech at CPAC, Trump expressed confidence in receiving the Nobel Peace Prize due to his diplomatic efforts concerning Russia and Ukraine. He took the opportunity to highlight his past victories while deriding his opponents. Trump referred to Biden disparagingly, calling him a "sleepy, crooked guy" and criticized his golf handicap and bathing suit. These remarks were part of a broader narrative where Trump portrayed himself as an absolute monarch of America.
"He was a sleepy, crooked guy. Terrible, terrible president. He was the worst president in the history of our country… Every single thing he touched turned to shit." – Donald Trump
The CPAC audience warmly received Trump's claims of being "the greatest president ever." Conservative host Bill O'Reilly, Republican House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, and Border tsar Tom Homan all showered Trump with praise, echoing sentiments that bolster his self-image as America's ultimate leader.
"the greatest president in the history of our country" – Elise Stefanik
"Our president wakes up every day knowing he’s the greatest president of all time." – Kristi Noem
Trump's appearance began with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" and concluded with the Village People's "YMCA," setting a patriotic tone for his speech. Throughout his address, he recounted policy decisions from his presidency, such as retracting the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and sending undocumented immigrants to Guantánamo Bay. He boasted about dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs while denying the identity of transgender individuals.
Moreover, Trump did not shy away from criticizing media outlets that have been critical of him. He specifically targeted MSNBC for their perceived bias and declining viewership.
"I watch this MSNBC – which is a threat to democracy, actually – they’re stone-cold mean. But they’re stuttering. They’re all screwed up. They’re all mentally screwed up. They don’t know what – their ratings have gone down the tubes." – Donald Trump
The former president also quoted Shakespeare while reflecting on his political journey, drawing parallels with Cassius’ words from Julius Caesar.
"Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world/Like a Colossus," – William Shakespeare (via Cassius in Julius Caesar)
In a rhetorical flourish, Trump described Washington as previously being controlled by a "sinister group of radical-left Marxists, war-mongers and corrupt special interests," positioning himself as a transformative figure against this backdrop.
"For years, Washington was controlled by a sinister group of radical-left Marxists, war-mongers and corrupt special interests," – Donald Trump
Trump's speech at CPAC was emblematic of his larger-than-life persona and unwavering self-confidence. His repeated affirmations of greatness resonated with supporters who view him as a transformative figure in American politics.