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American Conservative Union
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The American Conservative Union (ACU) is an American political organization that advocates for conservative policies, ranks politicians based on their level of conservatism, and organizes the Conservative Political Action Conference. Founded on December 18, 1964, it calls itself the oldest ongoing conservative lobbying organization in the U.S.[2] The ACU is concerned with issues such as personal liberty or freedom, and traditional values, which they define as foundations of conservatism.[3]

Key Information

Activities

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The ACU comprises three entities: The American Conservative Union, a 501(c)(4) organization which conducts lobbying; The American Conservative Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization best known for hosting the Conservative Political Action Conference; and The American Conservative Union Political Action Committee, a PAC that formally endorses and funds conservative candidates for federal and state level offices.[citation needed]

Congressional ratings

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Dating back to 1971, ACU has implemented its own scoring system which annually rates politicians on their conservatism.[4] While the scorecard was novel to conservatism, Americans for Democratic Action has utilized a liberal rubric for liberalism since 1947.[5][6]

Each publication of Congressional and State Ratings contains a statement from Chairman Matt Schlapp about the philosophy guiding the ratings as one of conservatism: "We begin with our philosophy (conservatism is the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person) and then apply our understanding of government (its essential role is to defend life, liberty, and property)."[7]

Unlike other congressional ratings that take positions on pending legislation, ACU Foundation rates votes already cast by lawmakers. Each rating provides a conservative interpretation of an official's view of governance. As one spokesperson for the ACU once noted, "clear-cut distinctions between liberals and conservatives [occur] if you have Crane, Ashbrook, and Kemp go a certain way and Burton goes the other".[8]

The ACU annually rates politicians according to how they vote on key issues, providing a numerical indicator of how much the lawmakers agreed with conservative ideals. They use this rating system as a point of accountability for politicians, comparing their political rhetoric to their voting records to assess their conservativeness.[9] Politicians are given a percentile rating, anyone with a rating of over 80% is considered to be an "ACU Conservative".[10] These scores are often used in political science research, in news stories and in election campaigns.

Conservative Political Action Conference

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Candace Owens speaking at CPAC Hungary 2022

ACU's most well-known event is the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual event organized by the ACU foundation.[6] CPAC has an annual attendance of thousands. Speakers regularly include sitting and former presidents and other famous conservatives. CPAC 2017 featured President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Governors Matt Bevin (R-KY), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Doug Ducey (R-AZ), and Scott Walker (R-WI) and executive branch officials (EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos).[11][12][13]

American Conservative Union Foundation

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The ACU Foundation's purpose is to educate the public on conservative principles and currently has five "policy centers" which focus on different political areas. There is the Center for Arts and Culture, the Center for Human Dignity, the Center for Statesmanship & Diplomacy, the Center for 21st Century Property Rights, and the Center for Criminal Justice Reform (CCJR). These policy centers are mainly blogs which post articles regarding their topic area.[14] The most extensive of these is the CCJR, who advocate for conservative criminal justice reform through advising governmental officials, media advocacy, and testifying as expert witnesses at governmental hearings. The CCJR focuses on two main policy areas: preventing civil asset forfeiture and increasing mental health facilities within the criminal justice system. The CCJR works with the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Prison Fellow Ministries in the Right on Crime campaign, and offers a panel at the Conservative Political Action Conference each year.[15]

History

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Founding

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The American Conservative Union was one of many conservative organizations formed in the 1960s as part of the resurgence of conservatism.[16] As conservative activist M. Stanton Evans predicted, "Historians may well record the decade of the 1960s as the era in which conservatism, as a viable political force, finally came into its own."[17] During a time of increasing polarization between liberals and conservatives, activists began to build a well-organized conservative movement, forming organizations such as Young Americans for Freedom and the ACU.[18] During this era, conservative groups focused less on direct action and more on long term planning and sought to gain positions in public office.[18]

The ACU was founded in December 1964 in response to the predominance of liberalism in America as evidenced by the defeat of Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign.[19] Founders included Frank S. Meyer, William F Buckley Jr, and Robert E. Bauman, who organized the first meeting.[19] In the initial meetings, a 50-member board of directors was appointed, whose members included Lammot Copeland, Peter O'Donnell, John A. Howard, Donald C. Bruce, and John Dos Passos.[19] Membership grew to 7,000 within 9 months, and 45,000 by the end of 1972.[19]

As part of ACU's mission to unite conservatives, William F. Buckley and Robert Bauman led an initiative to declare ACU's views of the John Birch Society. ACU's founding documents state that,

There is no relation between the two organizations. The directors of the ACU take a view of world affairs substantially at variance with that taken by Mr. Robert Welch in his most publicized writing. Under the circumstances, the leadership of the ACU will be wholly distinct from that of the John Birch Society.[20]

Conservatives' view of the Birchers became a national storyline when Buckley continued to criticize the Birchers in his National Review column.[21][22][23]

Foreign policy influence

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The ACU spent roughly $1.4 million opposing the ratification of the Panama Canal treaties in 1977.[24] They used a mass mailing campaign, sending out around 2.4 million letters.[25] This brought in roughly $15,000 a day in support of conservative candidates who opposed the treaties.[26] They also produced a thirty-minute-long television ad which aired on 150 television station in eighteen states, and took out newspaper ads in thirty states, encouraging citizens to write to their senators to oppose the treaties.[27] The ACU also helped to fund a "truth squad," formed by Senator Paul Laxalt, whose purpose was to "focus renewed public interest in the treaties" and pressure senators to vote against the treaties.[27] Gary Jarmin, who was at the time Legislator of the ACU, stated that the Panama Canal Treaties were "a good issue for the conservative movement. It's not just the issue itself we're fighting for. This is an excellent opportunity to seize control of the Republican Party."[27] Even so, the two treaties were signed September 7, 1977, ratified by the Panamanian election of October 23, 1977, and approved (68-32) by the U. S. Senate on March 16, 1978 and April 18, 1978.

In 1980, the ACU estimated that it would cost roughly $1.8 million to defeat SALT II; together with other conservative groups, SALT opponents outspent supporters 15:1.[28] Having found the technique of mass mailing to be successful during other campaigns, the ACU used this same technique to oppose SALT II, reaching roughly 500,000 people with this strategy.[28] Additionally, they produced a half-hour-long anti-SALT television program called Soviet Might/American Myth: The United States in Retreat, which was aired on 200 television stations around the country.[29][5]

In 1985, the ACU sent out roughly 100,000 pieces of mail in support of Nicaraguan contra aid in 1985.[30] They also escorted Nicaraguan refugees around Capitol Hill in order to persuade undecided politicians to support Reagan's contra aid request.[30]

Leadership

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Founding members include: William F. Buckley, Jr. Rep. Donald Bruce (R.-Ind.), Rep. John Ashbrook (R.-Ohio), Rep. Katherine St. George (R.-N.Y.), William A. Rusher, Frank Meyer, Thomas S. Winter, John A. Howard and L. Brent Bozell.[31] Donald Bruce served as the first chairman from 1964 to 1966,[32] succeeded by John Ashbrook from 1966 to 1971.[33][34]

M. Stanton Evans then served six years from 1971 to 1977,[35][36] succeeded by a two-year term served by Philip Crane from 1977 to 1979.[37] Mickey Edwards served as chairman from 1979 to 1983.[31]

David Keene was chairman from 1984 until 2011, succeeded by Al Cardenas, who served until 2014.

Cardenas was succeeded by the ninth and current chairman, Matt Schlapp, who has previously served as George W. Bush's political director.[38]

Lobbying

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According to OpenSecrets, the American Conservative Union spent roughly $20,000 on lobbying in 2001, $400,000 in 2003, and $1,100,000 in 2005.[39] They did not spend any money on lobbying in 2004. In the years since Schlapp was elected chairman of ACU, the organization has spent $120,000 on lobbying.[39]

Recurring lobbyists are Lorenz Hart and Amir Iljazi.[39]

Controversies

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FedEx

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In 2009, the ACU offered FedEx requested and solicited payment of fees totaling $3.4 million for e-mail and other services for "an aggressive grass-roots campaign" to stop a legislative provision being considered by the U.S. Senate.[40] The letter said the ACU's campaign could include "Producing op-eds and articles written by ACU’s Chairman David Keene and/or other members of the ACU’s Board of Directors."[40]

Two weeks later, Keene and leaders of five other conservative organizations issued a letter saying that FedEx was mischaracterizing the legislative situation and was unfairly trying to tap into public resentment against federal bailouts to attack its competition.[41] The letter included, at its top, logos from the ACU and the other organizations.[42] Whitfield said that Keene had endorsed the second letter as an individual, even though the letter bore the logo of the ACU.[43] The ACU then issued a press release saying that permission to use the logo had not been given by the ACU, and that the ACU continued to stand with the policy supported by FedEx.[44]

Embezzlement

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Diana Hubbard Carr, the ACU's former administrative director and ex-wife of David Keene, pleaded guilty in June 2011 to embezzling between $120,000 and $400,000 from 2006 to 2009, during her time as bookkeeper for the group.[45][46]

References

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[edit]
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American Conservative Union

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from Grokipedia

The American Conservative Union (ACU) is the nation's oldest conservative grassroots organization, founded in 1964 to advocate for core principles such as , individual liberty, free enterprise, and the protection of life, liberty, and property.
It is best known for hosting the annual (CPAC), established in 1974 as a major platform for conservative activists, policymakers, and leaders to discuss and advance right-leaning policies.
Through its Center for Legislative Accountability, the ACU evaluates the voting records of over 15,000 current and historical U.S. lawmakers to rank their adherence to conservative positions, providing a key tool for assessing political alignment.
The organization also operates specialized centers addressing issues like , regulatory overreach, and , reflecting its broader commitment to policy advocacy and accountability.

Founding and Early History

Establishment in 1964

The American Conservative Union (ACU) was founded in December 1964 as a aimed at unifying conservative activists in the United States following the Republican Party's defeat in the earlier that year. , the Republican nominee, had secured only 27.3 million popular votes (38.5 percent) and 52 electoral votes against incumbent President Lyndon B. Johnson's , highlighting internal divisions within conservatism and the perceived dominance of liberal institutions. The ACU emerged as a direct response to this outcome, seeking to serve as an "umbrella" group for conservative causes and a counterweight to established liberal advocacy entities such as Americans for Democratic Action, which had long influenced policy through ratings of politicians' voting records. Key figures in the ACU's establishment included Frank S. Meyer, a prominent intellectual associated with and advocate of "fusionism" blending traditionalism and , as well as , the magazine's founder and a leading voice in postwar . Robert E. Bauman, an early conservative organizer, was also among the founders. These individuals recognized the need for a centralized conservative lobby to coordinate efforts across ideological strains, including , , and traditional values, amid the post-election demoralization of Goldwater supporters who viewed the loss as a rejection of principled rather than a mandate for . The organization's initial focus was on building a network to influence and counter what its founders saw as unchecked expansion of federal power under Johnson's programs. From its inception, the ACU positioned itself as the nation's oldest conservative advocacy group, emphasizing non-partisan ratings of lawmakers' adherence to conservative principles over time. This foundational approach reflected a strategic intent to institutionalize conservatism beyond electoral cycles, drawing on the intellectual groundwork laid by Goldwater's campaign slogan of "In your heart, you know he's right," which had galvanized a nascent movement despite the electoral setback. By early 1965, the ACU had begun operations in Washington, D.C., laying the groundwork for initiatives like legislative scorecards that would become central to its mission.

Initial Goals and Goldwater Era Context

The American Conservative Union (ACU) was established on December 18, 1964, in the immediate aftermath of Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater's landslide defeat to incumbent Democrat on November 3, 1964, in which Goldwater secured 38.5% of the popular vote and 52 electoral votes against Johnson's 61.1% and 486 electoral votes. This electoral outcome highlighted the dominance of liberal policies under Johnson's agenda and the challenges facing the nascent conservative movement, which Goldwater's campaign had galvanized through emphasis on limited constitutional government, free enterprise, , and individual liberty as articulated in his 1960 book . The ACU's formation represented an effort to institutionalize the momentum from Goldwater's insurgent nomination, which had shifted the Republican Party toward fusionist —blending traditionalism, libertarian economics, and staunch opposition to Soviet expansionism—over the moderate Eastern Establishment wing led by figures like . The initial goals of the ACU centered on consolidating disparate conservative factions into a unified lobbying force to counter perceived liberal overreach in federal expansion, welfare statism, and cultural shifts. Founders, including veterans of Goldwater's campaign such as William F. Buckley Jr. associates and Young Americans for Freedom members, aimed to preserve core American values of life, liberty, and property by promoting legislative accountability and grassroots mobilization. This mission was explicitly framed as building infrastructure for long-term conservative resurgence, including rating congressional voting records on key issues like fiscal restraint and national defense, rather than immediate electoral victory, given the 1964 rout that exposed vulnerabilities in conservative messaging amid Cold War fears and civil rights momentum. In the broader Goldwater era context, the ACU emerged amid a conservative intellectual and activist awakening, influenced by thinkers like Frank Meyer who advocated "fusionism" to reconcile liberty and virtue against collectivism. Goldwater's campaign, though unsuccessful, mobilized over 27 million votes and laid groundwork for future victories by rejecting bipartisan consensus on New Deal expansions, insisting instead on rolling back government intrusion into markets and personal freedoms—a stance vindicated in empirical terms by subsequent economic analyses of 1960s policy failures like inflation spikes under Johnson. The organization's early focus avoided short-term partisanship, prioritizing education and alliance-building to sustain the ideological purity that Goldwater embodied, setting the stage for events like the 1968 conservative pushback against Richard Nixon's moderation.

Organizational Structure and Principles

Core Mission and Conservative Ideology

The American Conservative Union (ACU) pursues a mission to unite and mobilize conservatives around the core tenets of via events, training, forums, and . As America's oldest conservative organization, established in , it explicitly aims to preserve and protect the values of , , and property for all Americans, with initiatives targeting threats like and legislative overreach. This mission underscores ACU's role as a leading provider of conservative positions to , the executive branch, and state legislatures, emphasizing accountability for elected officials through voting record evaluations of over 15,000 lawmakers. ACU defines conservatism as the where sovereignty resides in the individual, rejecting expansive state authority in favor of personal responsibility, free enterprise, and constitutional . Central to its is advocacy for , adherence to the framers' original intent in interpreting the U.S. , upholding traditional values rooted in , and maintaining a robust national defense to safeguard American interests. These principles reflect a fusionist approach, integrating economic —such as and tax reduction—with opposing and government intrusion into family and moral spheres, all oriented toward limiting federal power and promoting self-reliance. Through this framework, ACU counters ideologies favoring centralized control, prioritizing empirical outcomes of market-driven prosperity and ordered over redistributive policies or multilateral entanglements.

Affiliates and Internal Operations

The American Conservative Union (ACU) is affiliated with the American Conservative Union Foundation (ACUF), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to educating citizens on conservative principles through research, , and public engagement. Established as an educational arm, the ACUF hosts specialized policy centers that advance ACU's objectives in areas such as regulatory , , and anti-trafficking efforts. These centers produce reports, host events, and influence debates while maintaining tax-exempt status separate from ACU's 501(c)(4) operations. The ACUF's policy centers include:
  • Center for Combatting Human Trafficking, which focuses on legislative and awareness initiatives to address exploitation;
  • Center for Regulatory Freedom, advocating for reduced government overreach in business and daily life;
  • Center for Legislative Accountability, evaluating lawmakers' records;
  • Nolan Center for Justice, promoting conservative approaches to criminal justice and legal reform;
  • Center for Corporate Accountability, scrutinizing corporate practices misaligned with conservative values;
  • Center for Combating Antisemitism, targeting rising threats through policy and education.
ACU also maintains ties to the American Conservative Union Super PAC, a independent expenditure-only committee registered in 2011 that supports conservative candidates via advertising and mobilization without direct coordination. Internally, ACU operates from its headquarters at 1199 N Fairfax Street, Suite 500, , coordinating activities, voter education, and programs to cultivate conservative . Its operations emphasize tracking over 15,000 lawmakers' votes for accountability ratings and fostering alliances among conservative entities, though financial transparency reveals modest expenditures of $20,000 in 2024 amid broader advocacy efforts.

Major Activities

Congressional Ratings System

The American Conservative Union (ACU), through its Center for Legislative Accountability (CLA), maintains the Congressional Ratings System to assess U.S. lawmakers' alignment with conservative principles based on their voting records. Established as a tool for transparency and accountability, the system evaluates votes on legislation concerning , free enterprise, , traditional values, and strong national defense. It serves to inform voters, activists, and stakeholders about lawmakers' performance, often pressuring members to adhere to conservative positions. The ratings originated in the early , with the ACU issuing its first congressional scorecards shortly after the organization's founding in , though formalized annual reports began around 1971. By April 2021, the ACU released its 50th edition, covering votes from the prior congressional session and incorporating on over members. The expanded under the CPAC Foundation's CLA in recent years, now encompassing historical on approximately 15,000 current and former lawmakers across federal and state levels, though congressional ratings remain the core focus. Methodology involves ACU staff selecting a targeted set of key roll-call votes—typically 10 to 25 per chamber per session—that exemplify conservative policy priorities, such as opposition to tax increases, reductions in federal spending, protections for Second Amendment rights, and restrictions on funding. For the 2024 House ratings, 23 specific votes were analyzed. Each lawmaker's score is calculated as the percentage of votes matching the ACU-defined conservative position (e.g., "yes" on bills limiting government overreach or "no" on expansive regulatory measures), yielding a 0-100 scale. Votes are sourced from official congressional records, with conservative outcomes determined by alignment with ACU's policy stances rather than partisan lines alone, allowing for distinctions among Republicans. Annual reports detail individual scores, chamber averages, and trends, often highlighting shifts in ideological reliability. High performers receive awards, such as the Conservative Excellence Award for 90%+ scores or Conservative Achievement Award for 80-89%, presented at events like CPAC; for instance, in May 2025, senators achieving these thresholds were honored for the prior session. Lower scores, like those below 80%, signal potential vulnerabilities to primary challenges, as seen in critiques of Republicans such as (R-NJ) for subpar conservative alignment in 2020 votes. The system prioritizes empirical vote tallies over subjective intent, though vote selection inherently reflects ACU's conservative framework, distinguishing it from neutral indices.

Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is the annual flagship gathering organized by the American Conservative Union (ACU), convening conservative politicians, activists, donors, and media figures to advance limited-government principles, free markets, and traditional values. Established to unify the conservative movement following the 1972 Goldwater defeat and amid Watergate-era Republican divisions, CPAC provides a forum for keynote speeches, policy workshops, exhibitor booths, and networking events typically held over three to four days in late February or early March. The inaugural CPAC occurred on January 25–26, 1974, at the Sheraton Park Hotel in , drawing approximately 400 participants including members of the ACU and . Governor delivered the keynote address, urging conservatives to maintain ideological cohesion and warning against party fractures that could empower liberal Democrats. Reagan's appearance helped position CPAC as a launchpad for conservative leadership, foreshadowing his presidential victory after subsequent speeches at the event reinforced his coalition-building efforts. Attendance expanded gradually, reaching about 7,300 by 2008 and peaking above 18,000 in years like 2019 amid heightened interest in Republican primaries. The conference introduced a presidential in 2016, which has served as an early indicator of GOP voter preferences, consistently favoring from 2016 onward and influencing media narratives on nomination frontrunners. Key features include the Dinner banquet, high-profile keynotes—such as Trump's addresses from 2011, 2015–2019, and post-presidency appearances—and panels on issues like , , and . CPAC's influence on the conservative movement stems from its role in amplifying emerging voices and testing policy ideas, contributing to the Reagan Revolution by mobilizing grassroots support against and big government. In the Trump era, it shifted toward populist themes, hosting events that critiqued Republicans and , though attendance declined post-2020 to lower figures with reports of underfilled venues in 2023 and 2024, attributed by organizers to venue choices and by critics to narrowing appeal. Under ACU leadership, CPAC has expanded to international editions in locations like and since 2017, fostering global conservative alliances while the U.S. event remains the core platform for domestic strategy.

Educational and Advocacy Programs

The American Conservative Union Foundation (ACUF), established as the educational affiliate of the ACU, focuses on informing the public about conservative principles through research, , and demonstration of policy outcomes. Operating under a 501(c)(3) structure, the ACUF maintains multiple policy centers that produce reports, host discussions, and provide data-driven evidence showing the superiority of conservative approaches over alternatives in areas like , justice, and accountability. These centers emphasize empirical comparisons, such as lower rates from conservative-led reforms or economic benefits from . Key policy centers include:
  • Nolan Center for Justice: Develops conservative policies prioritizing victim rights, sentencing integrity, and rehabilitation through faith-based and community programs, drawing on data from states with reformed systems to argue for reduced incarceration without compromising public safety.
  • Center for Regulatory Freedom: Analyzes federal regulations' costs to businesses and individuals, advocating for streamlined rules to foster , with studies highlighting billions in annual savings from targeted rollbacks.
  • Center for Combatting Human Trafficking: Educates on prevention strategies and supports legislation enhancing penalties and border security, using trafficking statistics to underscore failures in lax enforcement approaches.
  • Center for Corporate Accountability: Examines corporate practices conflicting with conservative values, such as ESG initiatives, promoting and free-market accountability over mandated social agendas.
  • Center for Combating Antisemitism: Documents rising incidents and critiques institutional responses, pushing for protections rooted in free speech and rather than .
In , the ACU, as a 501(c)(4) entity, mobilizes support and lobbies for policies advancing , including opposition to expansive regulations like OSHA overreach on small businesses and for tax reductions to spur growth. Historical efforts include resisting the 1977 treaties and promoting fiscal restraint, with ongoing work through action alerts and coalitions to influence on spending and . The ACU also offers internships to train young conservatives in policy engagement, fostering long-term capacity.

Leadership and Governance

Key Historical Figures

The American Conservative Union (ACU) was established on December 18, 1964, by a coalition of influential conservatives responding to Barry Goldwater's presidential defeat, with key founders including William F. Buckley Jr., Frank S. Meyer, L. Brent Bozell Jr., and Robert E. Bauman. Buckley, founder of National Review in 1955 and a central architect of the postwar conservative intellectual movement, provided ideological leadership and helped convene the inaugural meeting to counter liberal organizations like Americans for Democratic Action. Frank S. Meyer, a senior editor at National Review and originator of "fusionism"—a synthesis of traditionalist values and free-market libertarianism—contributed foundational principles emphasizing and as bulwarks against collectivism. L. Brent Bozell Jr., co-author (as ghostwriter) of Goldwater's 1960 manifesto The Conscience of a Conservative, brought grassroots mobilization experience from the senator's campaign, advocating for a principled anti-communist stance. Robert E. Bauman, who organized the first ACU gathering, later served as a congressman and advanced the group's early lobbying efforts on and . Early attendees at the December 1964 meeting, such as congressman John Ashbrook and journalist John Chamberlain, reinforced the ACU's commitment to rating congressional votes on conservative issues, a practice Ashbrook championed to hold Republicans accountable. These figures, drawn from the fusionist wing of , shaped the ACU's enduring focus on countering progressive dominance in policy and media, though their influence waned as the organization evolved under later chairs like David Keene, who served from 1984 to 2011 and expanded CPAC's scope.

Current Leadership under Matt Schlapp

Matt Schlapp was elected chairman of the American Conservative Union (ACU) on June 19, 2014, succeeding Al Cardenas in a unanimous board vote. Prior to this role, Schlapp served as White House Political Director under President from 2000 to 2003, managing political outreach and coalition building. Under his leadership, the ACU has emphasized expanding the (CPAC) into a global platform, hosting events in locations such as , , , and to promote conservative principles internationally. Schlapp's tenure has seen significant growth in CPAC's reach, with events attracting millions of viewers and impressions; for instance, during an early five-year period, live viewership reached 25 million and Twitter impressions hit 1 billion. The organization has continued its core functions, including the congressional ratings system through the Center for Legislative Accountability, evaluating lawmakers' adherence to conservative voting records. Advocacy efforts have focused on issues like combating , , and promoting , with Schlapp publicly encouraging conservative activism among youth while stressing respectful engagement with opponents. Leadership under Schlapp has faced internal challenges, including the 2023 resignation of the ACU treasurer amid claims of mismanagement, which Schlapp described as taken out of context or erroneous, and the departure of board member Charlie Gerow calling for financial investigations. Additionally, Schlapp has been subject to multiple allegations, beginning with a 2023 report from followed by further claims in December 2023 and February 2025, all of which he has denied; the ACU incurred over $1 million in legal fees defending him as of late 2023. Despite these, Schlapp remains chairman as of July 2025, with the organization proceeding with international expansions and core programming.

Policy Influence and Achievements

Domestic Policy Advocacy

The American Conservative Union (ACU) advocates for domestic policies rooted in intervention, protection of individual liberties, fiscal responsibility, and the preservation of life and property rights. Through its foundational mission established in , ACU promotes these principles by opposing expansive regulatory frameworks and excessive taxation that burden , while supporting measures to safeguard personal rights and traditional values. This advocacy manifests in targeted centers and monitoring activities that influence legislation and debates. The Center for Regulatory Freedom focuses on curtailing federal overregulation, arguing that more than 3,000 new rules imposed since have extracted over $3 trillion from the economy, stifling small businesses, job creation, and working families. ACU submits formal public comments on proposed regulations and initiates legal challenges when agencies disregard conservative input grounded in principles of economic liberty and . Historical efforts include resisting (OSHA) mandates on small businesses to prevent undue compliance costs. ACU's commitment to protecting life drives advocacy against and support for pro-life policies, including opposition to abortion as a violation of unborn . The Center for Combatting pushes for stronger legislation, facilitates international summits involving survivors, lawmakers, and officials to foster cross-border enforcement, and aids victim reintegration by addressing barriers like criminal records and financial instability. These initiatives emphasize proactive policy reforms to dismantle trafficking networks operating domestically. On individual liberties, ACU upholds Second Amendment rights as essential to and resists encroachments on gun ownership, aligning with broader conservative priorities for personal security without government infringement. Fiscal conservatism remains central, with advocacy for tax reductions, spending restraint, and balanced budgets to protect property rights and prevent wealth redistribution through inflated government programs. The Center for Legislative Accountability reinforces these positions by evaluating over 15,000 lawmakers' voting records annually on domestic issues like regulatory relief, life protections, and economic policies, providing transparency to guide conservative voters and pressure alignment with limited-government ideals.

Foreign Policy Contributions

The American Conservative Union (ACU) has influenced U.S. foreign policy discourse primarily through its annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where it platforms advocates of an "America First" approach prioritizing national interests, military restraint, and skepticism toward expansive interventions. At CPAC events, speakers such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have emphasized policies that secure U.S. freedom while rejecting multilateral entanglements that dilute American sovereignty, arguing that "America first secures our freedom and the entire world benefits when America is fearless and bold and strong." Similarly, Vice President JD Vance has used CPAC to defend restraint in European conflicts, urging allies to address immigration and cultural issues rather than expecting indefinite U.S. subsidy. These platforms have amplified non-interventionist voices within conservatism, countering neoconservative calls for global policing by focusing on deterrence through strength rather than nation-building. ACU's Congressional Ratings system evaluates lawmakers on foreign policy votes, including opposition to unchecked foreign aid and support for measures aligning with U.S. priorities like border over overseas commitments. In its 2023-2024 ratings, ACU scored votes on foreign aid packages, rewarding and resistance to supplemental appropriations perceived as funding endless engagements, such as those in , thereby pressuring Republicans to condition aid on verifiable strategic returns. This system, covering issues like nullifying regulations with foreign implications, has historically incentivized higher conservative scores for votes rejecting expansive commitments, as seen in perfect ratings for lawmakers opposing interventionist policies. Through international CPAC expansions, such as events in and , ACU has fostered alliances with foreign conservatives, indirectly shaping U.S. policy by promoting reciprocal realism—e.g., critiquing allies' underinvestment in defense while advocating U.S. withdrawal from burdensome roles. These efforts align with ACU's broader advocacy under Chairman for a that rejects "stale thinking" of perpetual aid, evidenced by hosting leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister to discuss mutual interests in sovereignty over supranationalism. While not directly enacting policy, ACU's role in galvanizing conservative consensus has contributed to shifts, such as reduced enthusiasm for funding among GOP members post-2022, reflecting empirical costs of prolonged involvement exceeding $100 billion in U.S. aid without .

Impact on Conservative Movement and Electoral Successes

The American Conservative Union (ACU) has exerted substantial influence on the conservative movement through its of the (CPAC), established in 1974 as a premier gathering for conservative activists, policymakers, and candidates. CPAC has served as a critical platform for articulating and advancing conservative principles, facilitating networking, and unifying disparate factions within the movement, including fiscal hawks, social traditionalists, and advocates. This annual event has drawn increasing attendance, peaking at over 20,000 participants in recent years, thereby amplifying mobilization and shaping the Republican Party's ideological direction. A pivotal early impact occurred with Reagan's keynote address at the inaugural CPAC in 1974, which galvanized support among conservatives disillusioned by the post-Watergate Republican establishment and positioned him as the movement's standard-bearer. This exposure contributed to Reagan's successful challenge to President in the 1976 primaries and his in the 1980 presidential election, ushering in an era of conservative policy triumphs such as tax cuts and deregulation that realigned American politics toward . Similarly, CPAC's role in hosting emerging voices during the Tea Party surge in 2010 helped propel Republican gains, including a net pickup of 63 House seats and six Senate seats in the midterm elections, restoring GOP control of the House for the first time since 2006. ACU's Congressional Ratings system has further bolstered electoral successes by evaluating lawmakers' voting records on over 30 key issues annually, providing voters with empirical metrics of ideological fidelity that inform primary challenges against insufficiently conservative incumbents. These ratings, which score members from 0 to 100 percent based on alignment with conservative positions, have pressured politicians to adhere to movement priorities, contributing to the of more reliably conservative representatives and senators in cycles like 2010 and 2014. CPAC straw polls, conducted since the 1970s, have offered early indicators of activist preferences, with recent winners such as in 2021 (62 percent), (59 percent), and 2023 reinforcing his dominance within the base and correlating with strong primary performances in subsequent Republican contests. While not infallible predictors, these polls have influenced campaign strategies and donor allocations, enhancing the movement's ability to propel aligned candidates toward victories.

Controversies and Criticisms

Financial Scandals and Ethical Lapses

In May 2023, Bob Beauprez, the longtime treasurer of the American Conservative Union (ACU), resigned citing extensive financial mismanagement under Chairman Matt Schlapp. Beauprez accused Schlapp of concealing financial records related to the 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), failing to provide transparency on payments from CPAC funds to Schlapp's consulting firm, and authorizing undisclosed loans including a $50,000 advance to Schlapp shortly after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against him. These issues, Beauprez stated, violated ACU bylaws and contributed to unchecked spending that strained the organization's resources. A federal investigation into ACU's financial dealings began in 2021, with sources indicating scrutiny of potential criminal campaign-finance violations by the organization under Schlapp's leadership. Prosecutors examined transactions involving ACU's and related entities, though no charges have been publicly filed as of 2025. The probe highlighted concerns over opaque funding flows, echoing broader criticisms of nonprofit political groups' handling of donor contributions. Earlier, in July 2009, ACU faced backlash for soliciting a $2 million to $3 million payment from in exchange for public support in its dispute with UPS over a labor union . The offer, detailed in a letter from then-ACU Chairman David Keene, was rejected by and drew accusations of pay-to-play ethics from critics, prompting congressional inquiries into whether it constituted improper influence peddling by a tax-exempt . Ethical controversies have centered on Schlapp, whose personal legal battles imposed significant costs on ACU. In , a Republican campaign staffer accused Schlapp of sexual battery during a gubernatorial race, filing a $9.4 million in 2023 alleging unwanted advances. Schlapp denied the claims, and the suit was dropped in March 2024 after a substantial financial settlement, with the accuser expressing regret for filing it. ACU board members raised alarms over the mounting legal fees—exceeding hundreds of thousands—to defend Schlapp, leading to additional resignations and internal pressure amid claims that organizational funds were diverted for personal defense. A separate 2023 amended complaint alleged Schlapp made prior sexual advances toward at least two other men, with ACU officials reportedly aware but unresponsive, though these claims remain unadjudicated. These incidents fueled perceptions of ethical lapses in , including accusations of a "pay-to-play" culture at CPAC where speaking slots and influence were allegedly commodified under Schlapp's tenure.

Ideological Disputes and External Attacks

The American Conservative Union (ACU) has experienced internal ideological tensions primarily between social conservatives prioritizing traditional moral values and libertarians advocating for minimal government intervention, including on personal liberties. These disputes peaked in 2011 when social conservative organizations, including the and , boycotted the (CPAC) in protest over the inclusion of , a group representing gay conservatives, which they viewed as incompatible with opposition to and related issues. Key figures such as ACU board member and then-chairman David Keene faced accusations from critics like Brent Bozell and of diluting core conservative principles through such inclusions and other policy stances, escalating into broader battles over event control and the straw poll. Tensions persisted into subsequent years, particularly over evolving social issues like , where panels at CPAC highlighted irreconcilable views between factions seeking to limit government scope versus those defending traditional family structures. By 2014, discussions at CPAC underscored the difficulty in bridging these divides, with libertarians framing as an extension of anti-government principles while social conservatives resisted concessions on cultural matters. Under chairman since 2014, CPAC has shifted toward greater alignment with populist elements, including strong support for , which has amplified internal party fractures but largely subordinated traditional factional disputes to priorities. Externally, ACU and CPAC have faced repeated accusations from left-leaning advocacy groups and media outlets of harboring extremists, often focusing on isolated attendee presence rather than endorsed platforms. , an organization criticized for broadly labeling conservative entities as hate-adjacent, has documented white nationalists and alt-right figures at CPAC events since at least 2018, portraying the conference as a venue for radical ideologies. In 2017, ACU expelled alt-right leader Richard Spencer from CPAC after his uninvited appearance, distancing itself from such elements amid media scrutiny. Similar reports emerged in 2024, with alleging open mingling by individuals displaying Nazi symbols and promoting antisemitic theories, though ACU emphasized these as fringe interlopers not reflective of the organization's mainstream conservative advocacy. These external critiques, frequently amplified by outlets with documented left-wing biases, have aimed to delegitimize ACU's influence by associating it with purported extremism, despite the group's consistent rejection of such fringes through disinvitations—like in over controversial remarks—and focus on policy debates. ACU has countered by highlighting its role in unifying conservatives against perceived liberal overreach, arguing that selective outrage ignores comparable issues at progressive gatherings.

Responses to Media Narratives and Debunking Biases

The American Conservative Union (ACU) has consistently countered portrayals of its (CPAC) as fringe or extremist by emphasizing empirical metrics of broad appeal, such as record attendance figures and diverse international participation. For CPAC 2022 in , which drew over 10,000 attendees from more than 70 countries, ACU highlighted substantive policy sessions on and that received scant coverage amid focus on polarizing speakers. This selective emphasis, ACU affiliates argued, exemplified media tendencies to amplify outliers while downplaying conservative coalitions' mainstream viability, as evidenced by the event's inclusion of figures from business, faith communities, and global allies. In response to personal allegations against Chairman , including a January 2023 claim of by a Republican operative, Schlapp denied the accusations and pursued legal action, culminating in a 2024 settlement where the dropped the suit and expressed regret. Schlapp attributed the episode to orchestrated smears, stating, "Our family was attacked, especially by a left-wing media that is eager to smear conservatives," pointing to rapid amplification by outlets like without corroborating evidence beyond text messages. This framing underscored ACU's broader critique of media incentives to discredit conservative leaders, particularly amid Schlapp's proximity to figures like , where initial reporting relied on anonymous sourcing later challenged in court. ACU has implemented structural responses to perceived biases, such as CPAC's 2024 policy denying press credentials to designated "left-wing" outlets including and , reserving access for those demonstrating "fair and honest" coverage. Schlapp justified this by citing histories of distorted reporting that prioritized narrative over facts, arguing it protected the event from adversarial infiltration while encouraging ecosystems. Such measures reflect ACU's recognition of institutional left-leaning tilts in legacy media, where empirical studies and internal admissions have documented disproportionate negative framing of conservative events—e.g., CPAC panels on media accountability in 2018 drew crowds decrying "" distortions. CPAC platforms have served as venues for direct debunking, with speakers invoking "" to dismantle specific narratives. President Trump, addressing CPAC in February 2017, declared, "We are fighting the ," targeting outlets for invented stories and unnamed sources that eroded public trust, a theme reiterated in his 2020 remarks critiquing media amplification of unverified claims. Similarly, in 2025, Karoline Leavitt accused media of being "blinded" by anti-Trump bias during reporting, echoing CPAC discussions on skewed coverage that prioritized alarmism over data-driven outcomes like low infection rates among attendees. These rebuttals prioritize —e.g., linking bias to capture and ideological homogeneity in newsrooms—over deference to institutional authority, positioning ACU as a to narratives that, per conservative metrics, underreport successes while overemphasizing controversies.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

CPAC Expansions and International Reach

The American Conservative Union (ACU) initiated the international expansion of the (CPAC) in 2017 with its inaugural event in , marking the first instance of the conference being held outside the . This move aimed to connect American conservatives with international counterparts sharing similar principles of and national sovereignty. Subsequent expansions in 2019 included CPAC events in , , and , partnering with local conservative organizations to host gatherings that drew speakers from both domestic and international conservative circles. The first CPAC Brazil occurred on October 11–12, 2019, in , featuring ACU Chairman and other prominent American figures. Additional international editions followed in and , broadening CPAC's footprint to foster trans-national dialogues on policy issues like free markets and . CPAC Hungary emerged as a key annual fixture starting in 2022, held in in collaboration with Hungarian conservative groups, with editions in 2022, 2023, 2024, and May 29–30, 2025. These events have emphasized alliances between U.S. conservatives and European nationalists, including addresses by figures aligned with sovereignty-focused . In 2025, CPAC marked the conference's debut in that country, further extending its European presence. Through these partnerships, ACU has positioned CPAC as a platform for global conservative coordination, hosting events that have grown in frequency and attendance, reflecting a strategic to counter perceived progressive internationalism with networks rooted in traditional values and populist priorities.

Adaptations to Contemporary Challenges Post-2020

Following the 2020 U.S. presidential , the American Conservative Union (ACU) adapted its programming to emphasize election integrity concerns, prominently featuring speakers who alleged widespread irregularities and fraud. The 2021 CPAC in , held from February 25-28, included panels and addresses dedicated to these issues, with former President delivering a on February 28 where he reiterated claims that the election was "stolen" due to procedural failures and insufficient verification. This focus reflected ACU's response to voter distrust, prioritizing advocacy for stricter voting laws and audits over traditional policy debates, as evidenced by subsequent CPAC straw polls where Trump garnered over 70% support in July 2021 in , . In adapting to restrictions, ACU opted for in-person gatherings in states with minimal mandates, such as under Governor , avoiding virtual formats that dominated other conservative events. The 2021 Orlando CPAC drew thousands despite ongoing pandemic concerns, underscoring a strategic choice to maintain physical networking and visibility amid national debates over lockdowns and policies. A supplementary event in in 2021 further demonstrated flexibility in venue selection to evade restrictive jurisdictions like . ACU has increasingly addressed censorship as a core challenge, incorporating panels on platform and government collusion post-2020. At the CPAC, Senator highlighted revelations of federal agencies pressuring tech firms to suppress conservative content during the 2020 election cycle, framing it as a to free speech. This evolution aligns with broader ACU efforts to critique Silicon Valley's influence, including calls for regulatory reforms to counter algorithmic biases favoring left-leaning narratives. Organizationally, ACU shifted toward a more populist orientation, marginalizing traditional conservatives critical of Trump and aligning with America First priorities like border security and opposition to institutional "wokeness." This adaptation, evident in speaker lineups favoring Trump allies over figures like Senators Mitt Romney or Liz Cheney, responded to grassroots demands but drew criticism from outlets portraying it as a departure from Reagan-era principles. By 2023, CPAC programming reflected this consolidation, with events emphasizing cultural battles over fiscal orthodoxy.

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