Overview
- The sixth annual Principles First gathering near Washington filled roughly half of a 750-seat hall, and no currently elected Republican attended.
- Prominent conservatives and ex-Republicans including Joe Walsh, Chris Christie and Bill Kristol condemned Trump and the MAGA movement, with one calling it an “authoritarian-embracing cult.”
- Retired Gen. Mark Hertling said U.S. institutions have been shaken, alliances strained and credibility damaged, citing post‑Nazi Germany as a guide for recovery.
- Attendees said they were rooting for Democratic gains in the coming midterms, and Kristol predicted Democrats are likely to win the House and could take the Senate.
- Participants cheered the Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump’s tariffs, and reporting said Trump vowed to pursue new tariffs despite the decision.