President Donald Trump did not attend one of the biggest yearly meetings of conservatives for the first time in nearly a decade. But even in his absence, the Conservative Political Action Conference revolved around him. There were disagreements over his war with Iran, pride over his immigration crackdown and lots of encouragement to avoid infighting as the Republican Party faces a difficult midterm election. It was a contrast with last year’s gathering, when conservatives were riding high after Trump’s return to office and Elon Musk waved a chain saw to symbolize his new role leading the Department of Government Efficiency.