Matt Gaetz warned CPAC attendees that a ground invasion of Iran would make the country poorer and less safe, highlighting a significant shift in the conference's traditionally America First stance amid President Trump's pursuit of war.

While CPAC has long championed an aggressive foreign policy, organizers attempted to pivot towards caution this year, a move that drew mixed reactions from the crowd. Gaetz's stark warning underscores the tension between the conference's base and the potential economic consequences of military escalation, particularly regarding oil prices and defense spending.

The debate at CPAC reflects broader investor concerns about market volatility and the potential impact on defense stocks and energy sectors should conflict with Iran escalate, though no specific deal values or market data were cited in the report.