NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland — In years past, the Conservative Political Action Conference served as a meeting place for those on the Right to discuss the future of the Republican Party. Now, it serves as an echo chamber with one man at the center: former President Donald Trump. 

In its heyday, CPAC was lauded as the country’s largest Republican gathering and provided an opportunity for rising stars in the party to dip their toes in the spotlight. It allowed presidential hopefuls to share the stage as they competed against each other for the GOP nomination.