• National Conservatism conference exposed deep overlap between Trump-aligned GOP officials and far-right activists.
• Speakers included senators like Eric Schmitt alongside theocratic nationalists and white nationalist publishers.
• Experts warn these blurred alliances signal a troubling shift in party philosophy and democratic norms.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — The 2025 National Conservatism Conference (“NatCon”) laid bare the rapidly dissolving boundaries between mainstream Republican leadership and far-right extremists, as officials linked to the Trump administration shared the stage with theocratic Christian nationalists, white nationalist publishers, and members of secret societies rooted in authoritarian ideology. Experts are warning that such publicly visible convergence could fundamentally alter the Republican Party’s ideological compass and, by extension, erode democratic norms. (The Guardian)

Mainstream Politicians Sidling Toward Extremism

The event drew notable political figures, including Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt and former DOJ officials like Harmeet Dhillon and Tom Homan. Their presence alongside authors and publishers from Passage Press—a known white nationalist imprint—as well as members of Christian ultranationalist groups like the Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR), signaled an ideological alignment that many analysts say should alarm both conservative traditionalists and democratic guardians alike. (The Guardian, The Bulwark)

Authoritarian Messaging Wrapped in Policy Talk

Speakers at NatCon pushed an array of authoritarian ideals. Themes ranged from affirming conspiracy theories to rejecting democratic norms and immigration rights, with some openly arguing that the Constitution reflects racial identity. One think tank speaker, for example, dismissed immigration and gender equity efforts as corrosive to Western civilization. Critics called NatCon a “fanatical anti-democratic right-wing movement,” pointing to a growing resonance between fringe ideologies and formal GOP strategy. (The Guardian)

MAGA Tech Backlash and the “Holy War” on AI

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This ideological trajectory wasn’t the only headline at the conference. A distinct anti-tech sentiment also emerged—one faction advocated a “holy war” against artificial intelligence, with critics accusing Big Tech of undermining faith, family, and national values. Even celebrated right-wing tech leaders like Elon Musk were labeled moral enemies. This cultural rejection of innovation reflects a populist turn that broadens the conference’s extremist leanings beyond traditional policy arenas. (The Verge)

Why This Matters: Governance and Global Perception

The stakes go beyond ideological co-signing. When elected officials stand shoulder-to-shoulder with extremist groups, governance itself risks co-optation by fringe dogma. Democracy relies on separation between mainstream discourse and radical backlash. Yet NatCon’s crossover rubs out that divide, raising alarming questions about the GOP’s direction heading into the 2026 midterms. International perception also shifts—U.S. allies and civil society groups may view this as normalization of authoritarian thought under mainstream politics.

What’s Next for American Conservatism?

If this ideological fusion takes deeper root, the consequences could be profound. Will traditional conservatives push back or capitulate? Will centrist factions emerge to reclaim policy ground? Or will this alignment solidify into operational red lines within the party, changing electoral dynamics and governance philosophy forever?

Has the Republican mainstream crossed a line into extremist alignment—and what does it mean for American democracy moving forward?

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