'America First' in the Era of Donald J. Trump

Donald J. Trump. Credit: Andrea Izzotti | Through the vecteezy.com website.

Since the election that brought Donald J. Trump back to power took place, it seems that many things have started to change. A number of policies were introduced and established by Trump himself, most of which sparked criticism. Many Americans know Trump as a president who tends to oppose many conventional ideas, sometimes even going against long-standing political norms. His trade policy, often referred to as the Trump Tariffs, drew attention for seemingly being out of touch with public concerns, as it resulted in increased prices on imported goods. Meanwhile, the widespread deportation of undocumented immigrants has been perceived by many as evidence of Trump’s hardline, even anti-immigrant, stance. On the education front, controversial cases like affirmative action in Harvard attracted both domestic and international backlash. In many ways, Trump has been seen as acting contrary to the inclusive values often associated with America, leading some to argue that he is, indirectly, undermining the very foundation of his own country.

‘America First’ is a well-known concept among many Americans. It generally means putting American interests above all else, especially when engaging in affairs that offer little to no clear benefit. Beyond Trump, several former U.S. presidents have also governed with this kind of mindset, whether explicitly stated or implied. At its core, this idea emphasizes that national interest must be prioritized above external obligations. The government’s first responsibility, under this logic, is to ensure that the needs of the American people are met, whether in the economy, security, or welfare. For instance, when it comes to military policy, missions and strategies are expected to focus solely on strengthening national defense, even if that requires sacrifice. The message is clear: even without many allies, survival and sovereignty come first. America, in this worldview, should prioritize taking care of itself and reject participation in international activities that do not provide a clear return.

“From this day forward, it’s going to be only America first, America first.” – Donald J. Trump

“Return to normalcy.” – Warren G. Harding

“He kept us out of war.” – Woodrow Wilson

“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” – George Washington

Trump once said, “The U.S. gave a lot of money for nothing, because we had a stupid and incompetent president.” This statement was aimed at his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he accuses of failing to govern effectively. Trump believes Biden's administration spent excessively, which he claims weakened the country’s internal condition. For example, the U.S. has provided tens of billions of dollars in aid to allies such as Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and South Korea. Trump argues that such aid packages, although grounded in the principle of peacekeeping and alliance, ultimately burden the American economy and distract from urgent domestic issues. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. gave more than $75 billion to Ukraine between 2022 and 2024 alone. For Trump, this is a clear example of how American resources are being “wasted” abroad instead of being used to rebuild the nation at home.

In his view, such international spending has contributed to growing instability within the U.S., especially in the financial sector. Issues like inflation, deficits, and rising living costs have led Trump to promote policies centered on national efficiency and fiscal responsibility. He presents himself as the leader capable of fixing this—by reducing unnecessary expenditure and shifting focus back to the American people.

Donald J. Trump has always positioned himself as a figure who aims to be number one, even before entering politics. As a businessman, he created a global brand through ventures like Trump Tower, Trump Taj Mahal, and various real estate empires. He portrayed himself as a symbol of personal success and resilience. This mindset carried over into his presidency, where his goal was not just to lead, but to win. His leadership style, rooted in competitiveness and dominance, became the foundation of his national vision.

“Make America Great Again” or MAGA is more than a campaign slogan. It encapsulates Trump’s belief that America First must be the guiding principle in all areas of governance. He consistently argues that the United States must solve its internal problems before becoming entangled in external ones. His administration aims to prioritize domestic industries, job creation, border security, and infrastructure, believing that these should come before international responsibilities.

Donald J. Trump wants America to win, just as it did during historic victories such as the Revolutionary War under George Washington, the Civil War under Abraham Lincoln, or World War I under Woodrow Wilson. Today, Trump envisions greatness in multiple fields: economics, politics, military power, and beyond. His version of America First is not simply about isolation, it is about reclaiming leadership by restoring strength at home first.