Taking the red-eye from San Diego on Tuesday night, I landed in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday morning. With little time to spare, I dropped my bags at the hotel, freshened up in the lobby bathroom, and headed straight to Capitol Hill for a front-row seat at a major moment in veteran affairs policy.
The Senate was holding a confirmation hearing for Dr. Paul Lawrence, former Undersecretary for Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), now nominated by President Trump for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The hearing, led by Senators Richard Blumenthal and Thom Tillis, was a fascinating display of how politics often overshadows real governance.
Dr. Lawrence has a well-documented record of improving operations at the VBA, but Democrats seized on the recent announcement of 1,000 job cuts at the VA—something he had no involvement in. What struck me most was how most committee members seemed disinterested in actual dialogue; they showed up, asked their questions, and left without listening to anyone else. It was disheartening to witness firsthand how performative politics has become. That said, it was an incredible experience to be in the room for such an important moment.
After the hearing, I had the unexpected opportunity to attend CPAC 2025, the Conservative Political Action Conference. We made our way to the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland to pick up our badges—an experience that felt a lot like Comic-Con, complete with long lines, free swag (including a copy of Mike Lindell’s book), and an exhibit hall filled with booths and vendors. Though not all the exhibitors had set up yet, I made great connections while exploring.
That evening, we had dinner on the rooftop of the Hotel Washington, right across from the White House. Just as the sun was setting over D.C., I witnessed Marine One land on the South Lawn—an unforgettable sight.
CPAC: Where the Conservative Movement Comes Alive
The next morning, I arrived early at CPAC and made my way through intense security to witness Vice President J.D. Vance open the event. His speech electrified the room as he tackled the economy, immigration, the October 7th hostages, and the importance of protecting women’s sports. The energy in the room was unlike anything I’d ever felt.
Beyond the main stage, CPAC featured “Radio Row,” where major media outlets, podcasters, and journalists conducted live interviews with guests. As I walked through, I spotted key figures like Rep. James Comer (KY), former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, detransitioner and activist Chloe Cole, Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance, Moms for America’s Aly Legge, journalist Neil McCabe, and Steve Bannon to name a few.
One of the most powerful moments of the event was attending the "Say Their Names: Israeli Hostage Families Speak" panel. Three men—one a survivor and two whose family members remain captive—shared harrowing stories from the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack. A freed female hostage was also present but did not speak. It was a sobering reminder of the global stakes of our political battles and the importance of standing for what is right.
More than anything, CPAC was a reminder of the strength of the conservative movement. Being surrounded by thousands of people who share my values—people who have been in the trenches fighting for our rights, working to re-elect President Trump—was an experience I will never forget. I wish I would have been able to stay and enjoy more of the event but I'm back home to run the shop and take care of the husband! I would love to organize a group from our club to attend next year. If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you, Ashleigh, for this wonder read. I felt that I was there!