What happens at CPAC? When and where the conference takes place

The Conservative Political Action Conference gathers for a rightwing, woke-bashing, conspiracy theory-pushing, and red meat-throwing jamboree three times a year, usually in February, March, and July.

The next instalment is set to take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland just outside Washington DC between 21 and 24 February.

One of the top speakers to join the conference this time is the eccentric, muttonchop-wearing, and chainsaw-wielding Argentinian President Javier Milei. Patricia Bullrich, the country’s Minister of National Security, is also set to speak.

CPAC Chair Matt Schlapp said in a statement that he met Mr Milei at CPAC Mexico “as he was beginning his historic campaign, and we believe he has captured the spirit of those who see the treachery of globalist elites. American patriots are rooting for him to succeed and we also like the chainsaw”.

Mr Schlapp, who has faced several claims of sexual assault against him, has overseen a massive change at the conference, as it went from what used to be seen as establishment Republican politics to full-on Maga amid former President Donald Trump’s takeover of the party.

Schlapp spokesperson Mark Corallo told CNN in December: “These demonstrably false allegations are a continuation of transparent and desperate tactics by Plaintiff … to bolster his spurious claims and taint potential jurors for which Matt Schlapp will vigorously defend in court.”

President of Argentina Javier Milei of La Libertad Avanza

Writing about the March gathering last year, The Independent’s Eric Garcia noted: “The gathering has long been a cattle call for potential Republican presidential nominees and other rising stars in the party. And it sets the tone for what