A vibrant gathering of conservatives from across the country took place just a stone’s throw from the White House, as participants gathered in a ballroom to express their views on the current state of the nation. Many donned red caps adorned with slogans mocking President Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” campaign. This assembly marked the largest ever “Principles First Summit”. Initially founded during Trump’s second presidential term, the summit has since evolved to welcome a broader spectrum, including independents and center-left Democrats, united by a common belief in pro-democracy and anti-authoritarian values.
Leading the charge was Heath Mayo, a Yale-educated lawyer and the founder of Principles First. Mayo established this platform five years ago for conservatives feeling politically displaced. Addressing the summit, Mayo urged attendees not to succumb to pressure but to prepare for a prolonged struggle for their beliefs. Despite three days of intensive discussion and introspection, the 1,200 attendees struggled to pin down a strategy to diminish Trump’s influence within the conservative sphere or the broader national identity of America. There was little agreement on whether to wage this battle within the Republican Party, shift allegiances to the Democrats, or pursue another path.
Jeff Oppenheim, a retired U.S. Army colonel from Austin, Texas, articulated the sentiments of many, expressing relief at finding a community of like-minded individuals. However, he also acknowledged the challenge of converting these collective frustrations into actionable political influence in a system dominated by two primary parties. Entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star Mark Cuban captured the audience’s attention with his speech, though he distanced himself from White House ambitions, criticizing the Democratic Party for failing to effectively communicate its message.
Trump supporters were quick to dismiss the summit, deriding it as a gathering of “RINOs,” or Republicans in name only. White House communications director Steven Cheung’s derogatory remarks about the event underscored the deep divisions within the party. Trump’s grip on the party appeared stronger than ever, as he enjoyed widespread support among congressional allies and the party’s rank and file. Nonetheless, dissenting voices within the party, such as former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, argued for leveraging public assembly pressure to make lawmakers accountable to voters.
Mesa, Arizona councilmember, Julie Spilsbury, finds herself navigating these contentious political waters, having supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election while publicly endorsing the Democratic nominee on grounds of character. As a result, she now faces a recall movement driven by Trump supporters. Spilsbury implored her fellow attendees to support her cause as she strives to sustain her political career.
The summit also featured figures like Asa Hutchinson, former Governor of Arkansas, and Colorado’s centrist Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who provided restrained critiques of Trump’s initial moves in office. Their measured responses received a cool reception compared to the fervent applause for Capitol Police officers defending the institution on January 6, 2021. Former officer Michael Fanone emphasized the necessity of channeling outrage to combat fear, expressing skepticism about Trump’s willingness to reconsider his actions.
In a worrying escalation, Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys, confronted the officers present. Subsequently, summit organizers were faced with a bomb threat that specifically cited Fanone, sparking an evacuation of the venue. While the threat turned out to be a false alarm, the episode cast a shadow over the event.
Undeterred, newcomers like progressive Maria Stephan felt emboldened by the weekend’s themes. However, Rich Logis, once a staunch supporter of Trump, advised caution, noting a potential shift in public sentiment if Trump continues with policies perceived as detrimental to Americans. His insights into the evolving political landscape emphasize the importance of engaging with those who have reached their breaking points, signaling a potential pivot away from previous allegiances.
