America First

Extremist Definition

The right-wing extremist interpretation of “America First” often encompasses a belief that: the federal government’s powers are limited to those explicitly enumerated in the Constitution, with all other powers reserved to the states or the people; individual rights, such as the right to bear arms, are absolute and should not be infringed upon by the government; the government should not provide social welfare programs or engage in economic regulation, viewing these as unconstitutional and a threat to individual liberty; states possess significant autonomy and should govern with minimal federal interference; and the judiciary should interpret the Constitution in a strict, originalist manner, without considering modern societal context or evolving social norms. Historically, the America First Committee of the 1940s, which opposed U.S. entry into World War II, was criticized for being antisemitic, and some of its members were considered extremists^[1]. Donald Trump’s more recent usage of “America First” is “more commonly described as unilateralist- someone who thinks the U.S. can be engaged around the world, but on its own terms, unconstrained by alliances or multinational groups like the United Nations”^[1].

Extremist Motive

Right-wing extremists may use the “America First” slogan to advocate for several goals: pulling the U.S. out of international groups, building an impregnable defense for America, preserving their particular view of democracy, ceasing aid to allies or other countries in conflict, and rejecting the role of the U.S. as the “world’s policeman.” According to an analysis of the “America First Agenda,” underlying these stated aims is a push to privatize public services, remove governmental oversight in most areas (thereby reducing accountability for corporations), diminish public education under the banner of “parental rights,” increase American oil and gas production for energy independence, and limit or restrict voting access^[4].

Extremist Real-World Examples

• Donald Trump at his inauguration on January 20, 2017, stated, “From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first, America first”^[5][6].
• The term is central to policy ideals promoted by some political factions, exemplified by documents such as the “America First Trade Policy” and “America First Investment Policy,” notionally dated for future implementation (e.g., 1/20/25, 2/21/25) and associated with the movement’s agenda^[7][8].

Proper Definition:

“America First” refers to a populist political theory in the United States that emphasizes the fundamental notion of “putting America first.” This generally involves policies of non-interventionism, American nationalism, and protectionist trade, focusing on domestic policy over global affairs^[9]. Originally, the America First Committee (AFC), active in 1940-41, comprised individuals (known as America Firsters) who opposed U.S. entry into World War II, believing America’s interests should be prioritized and involvement in international conflicts avoided^[9][10]. The re-use of the “America First” phrase by Donald Trump in the 2016 United States presidential election led to a look back at the America First Committee, including views on the level of extremism found in the 1940-41 movement and analysis of whether the new Trump administration was isolationist in the same sense^[10].

Boiled Down Meaning

“America First” fundamentally promotes American isolationism and nationalism, prioritizing domestic interests, self-sufficiency, and national sovereignty over international cooperation and global affairs. In some interpretations, it also seeks to significantly restructure governmental oversight and social policies.

Examples of Proper Use:

• The term is used to describe and promote specific policy agendas advocated by its proponents:
• Proposals for an “America First Investment Policy”^[7]
• Proposals for an “America First Trade Policy”^[8]
• The “America First Agenda” outlining various policy pillars^[4]
• Policy papers detailing strategies for “Peace Through Strength and American Leadership” under an America First framework^[11]

Examples of Other Terms:

• America First Committee^[10]
• America Firster^[12]
• America First Policy^[13]
• America’s Golden Age
• Non-interventionism
• Protectionism
• American nationalism
• Unilateralism

Additional Notes

The “America First” slogan has a contentious history, with its revival by Donald Trump drawing parallels to the isolationist and, at times, antisemitic sentiments of its 1940s iteration. Its contemporary usage continues to evoke strong reactions, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of the United States in global affairs and the prioritization of national versus international interests.

See also

• America First Committee
• America Firster
• America First Policy
• America’s Golden Age
• Non-interventionism
• Protectionism
• American nationalism
• Unilateralism

References

1. ^ https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/02/06/513240634/america-first-from-charles-lindbergh-to-president-trump
2. ^ https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/america-first/
3. ^ https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/the-truth-about-the-america-first-movement
4. ^ https://agenda.americafirstpolicy.com/assets/uploads/agenda.pdf
5. ^ https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-trump-america-first-20170120-story.html
6. ^ https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/trump-america-first/514037/
7. ^ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/america-first-investment-policy/
8. ^ https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/america-first-trade-policy/
9. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_First_(policy)
10. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_First_Committee
11. ^ https://agenda.americafirstpolicy.com/assets/uploads/Pillar_6_-_Deliver_Peace_Through_Strength_and_American_Leadership.pdf
12. ^ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/America%20Firster
13. ^ https://americafirstpolicy.com/