A Gathering of Concerned Conservatives: The Principles First Summit
In a ballroom just blocks away from the White House, a unique and historic gathering of conservatives took place, united by a shared concern for the direction of the United States. The event, known as the Principles First Summit, brought together over 1,200 attendees from across the country, many of whom identified as politically homeless conservatives. Founded five years ago by Heath Mayo, a Yale-educated attorney, Principles First has evolved into a movement aiming to promote pro-democracy and anti-authoritarian values. The summit, expanded during Trump’s second term, welcomed not only disaffected conservatives but also independents and center-left Democrats, all united by a common goal: to reclaim American democracy from what they see as Trump’s diminishing grip on it.
The summit was marked by a mix of frustration and determination. Attendees lamented the erosion of what they believe are America’s founding ideals and expressed anxieties about the growing influence of authoritarianism. Many donned red hats with inscriptions that critiqued Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement, signaling a clear break from the former president’s brand of conservatism. However, despite the sense of solidarity, the three-day event revealed deep divides within the group. There was no clear consensus on how to challenge Trump’s dominance over the conservative movement or whether to remain within the Republican Party, migrate to the Democratic Party, or forge an entirely new political path.
Speakers Sound the Alarm: Calls to Action and Critiques of Trump
The summit featured a series of impassioned speeches from prominent figures, each offering their take on the state of American politics and the path forward. Heath Mayo, the founder of Principles First, delivered a powerful address, urging attendees to “stiffen their spines” and prepare for a long and arduous fight to restore democratic principles. Mayo’s message resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom expressed feelings of isolation and disillusionment with the current political landscape.
One of the most notable speakers was Mark Cuban, the entrepreneur and co-host of Shark Tank, who received a standing ovation upon taking the stage. Cuban, a prominent surrogate for then-Vice President Kamala Harris during her recent campaign, delivered a scathing critique of the Democratic Party, accusing it of failing to effectively communicate its message to voters. While he praised Trump’s marketing prowess, Cuban made it clear he had no interest in running for the White House himself. His remarks underscored the broader frustration with both political parties and their inability to inspire confidence among voters.
Adam Kinzinger, a former U.S. Representative and frequent Trump critic, offered a more actionable approach. He pointed to the narrow Republican majority in the House of Representatives and argued that lawmakers were growing increasingly nervous as voters expressed outrage over Trump’s policies, particularly his decisions to fire federal workers, shut down agencies, and limit federal services. Kinzinger urged attendees to ramp up public pressure, emphasizing that elected officials would only respond to fear—specifically, the fear of losing their seats. He implored the crowd to make their voices heard in town halls and other public forums, where politicians are most vulnerable.
Julie Spilsbury, a councilmember from Mesa, Arizona, exemplified the personal sacrifices many in the room were willing to make. Despite facing a recall effort from Trump supporters in her home state, Spilsbury openly endorsed the Democratic nominee in the 2024 election, citing “character and integrity.” Her decision, like that of many other attendees, reflects the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those who feel compelled to stand against Trump, even at great personal cost.
The Struggle to Define a Path Forward: Challenges and Conflicts
Despite the unity of purpose, the summit revealed deep-seated divisions within the group. Some attendees argued for reforming the Republican Party from within, while others believed it was beyond redemption and that a new political movement was necessary. These debates often turned heated, with no clear resolution in sight. The lack of consensus highlighted the enormity of the challenge ahead and the complexity of confronting Trump’s influence over the conservative movement.
Complicating matters further was the mixed reception to some of the summit’s speakers. While figures like Kinzinger and Cuban drew enthusiastic responses, others, such as former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, received more muted reactions. Hutchinson’s defense of Trump’s commitment to respecting court decisions was met with skepticism, while Polis’s centrist tone failed to inspire. The varied reactions underscored the difficulty of finding a unifying message or leader to rally behind.
The tensions were further exacerbated by the presence of individuals like Michael Fanone, a former Washington police officer who was attacked during the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Fanone delivered a fiery speech, calling on the crowd to hold onto their outrage and anger, rather than letting fear dictate their actions. His unflinching critique of Trump and his pardon of rioters resonated with many, but it also highlighted the deep emotional wounds of the event and the ongoing divisions it has sowed.
Confronting Fears and Taking a Stand: Personal Stories of Resistance
One of the most striking aspects of the summit was the personal stories shared by attendees. For many, the gathering was a moment of validation, a chance to connect with others who shared their concerns and frustrations. Jeff Oppenheim, a retired U.S. Army colonel from Texas, summed up the sentiment when he said, “It makes you feel better to know that you’re not alone and that you’re not crazy.” The sense of camaraderie was palpable, yet it was also tempered by the recognition that turning outrage into action would be no easy task.
The challenges of navigating the current political landscape were made starkly clear when a bomb threat forced the evacuation of the summit space. The threat, which specifically mentioned Michael Fanone and other potential targets, was met with a mix of fear and defiance. While some attendees expressed anxiety, others saw it as a motivation to continue their fight. Maria Stephan, a progressive attending her first Principles First gathering, called the incident “emboldening,” saying it reinforced the importance of their cause.
The threat was not an isolated incident. Shortly after Fanone’s speech, he and other officers were confronted by Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, who had recently been freed from prison by a presidential pardon. The encounter underscored the real and present dangers faced by those who dared to challenge Trump and his allies. Despite these risks, many attendees remained committed to their cause, refusing to back down in the face of intimidation.
Embracing Change and Finding a Way Forward
For some attendees, the summit represented a turning point—a moment of clarity and resolve. Rich Logis, a former MAGA supporter whose red hat now reads “I LEFT MAGA,” spoke about the importance of finding a personal breaking point. Logis argued that change is often incremental, happening one person at a time, and that the role of movements like Principles First is to be there for those individuals as they grapple with their beliefs. His words resonated with many in the room, who saw themselves as part of a larger movement to reclaim conservatism from those who had hijacked its principles.
The summit also highlighted the broader societal implications of the current political climate. Many attendees expressed concern about the impact of Trump’s policies on everyday Americans, particularly his decisions to impose tariffs, cut public services, and limit federal support. They argued that these actions would ultimately hurt the very people Trump claims to represent, and that this reality would drive more voters away from the Republican Party.
Yet, despite the optimism about potential converts, the path forward remained uncertain. The summit’s lack of a clear roadmap left many wondering how to translate their outrage into tangible change. The answer, many agreed, would require sustained effort, strategic thinking, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations.
Reflections on Hope and the Road Ahead
As the Principles First Summit came to a close, attendees left with a mix of emotions—frustration, hope, and determination. While the challenges ahead were daunting, there was a renewed sense of purpose among the group. For many, the gathering was a reminder that they were not alone in their concerns and that there were still ways to make a difference.
The summit also highlighted the importance of holding onto hope, even in the face of adversity. As one attendee noted, the struggle to reclaim American democracy would be long and difficult, but it was also necessary. The alternative—accepting the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarianism—was unthinkable.
In the end, the Principles First Summit served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the American spirit and the enduring appeal of democratic values. While the road ahead would be fraught with obstacles, the gathering showed that there were still those willing to fight for a better future—one where principles, not personalities, defined the nation’s course.
