A logo of CPAC and an image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) USA 2026 in Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, in Grapevine, Texas, U.S., March 25, 2026. REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare
Catherine Rampell criticized President Donald Trump on MS NOW for missing CPAC for the first time in nearly a decade, suggesting his absence stems from concerns about optics related to his "obsession" with crowd sizes.
On "The Weekend Primetime," Rampell displayed a split-screen comparison showing massive No Kings protests drawing approximately 8 million attendees globally alongside the sparsely attended CPAC event in Texas.
Rampell highlighted Trump's known fixation on crowd sizes, noting the stark contrast between the two gatherings.
This year's CPAC notably lacks Trump and his children as speakers, traditionally a major draw for conservative attendees.
Turnout has suffered significantly as a result.
GOP delegate Warner Kimo Sutton told Mother Jones the event's attendance was disappointing, stating, "It's sh----. Last time this place was packed."
Watch the video below.