What Happened to America First Movement?

The 'America First' slogan has a long and varied history in American political discourse, first appearing in the 1850s with the nativist American Party. President Woodrow Wilson used it in 1916 to advocate for neutrality during World War I, and Warren G. Harding campaigned successfully on an 'America First' platform in 1920, emphasizing isolationism and protectionism. The most prominent early manifestation was the America First Committee (AFC), founded in 1940, which became the largest pressure group opposing U.S. entry into World War II, advocating for non-interventionism and domestic defense. The AFC, which included figures like Charles Lindbergh, was criticized for antisemitic and fascist rhetoric, and disbanded shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

A century later, Donald Trump dramatically revived the 'America First' slogan during his 2016 presidential campaign, making it the cornerstone of his foreign and domestic policy agenda. This modern iteration emphasizes prioritizing American workers, industries, and national interests through protectionist trade policies, reduced foreign intervention, and stricter immigration enforcement. Following his first presidency, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) was founded in 2021 by former Trump administration officials like Brooke Rollins and Larry Kudlow, becoming a leading conservative think tank dedicated to advancing the 'America First' public policy agenda.

Key turning points include Trump's election in 2016 and his return to the White House in 2025. Ahead of his second term, reports in November 2024 indicated that AFPI was significantly influencing Trump's transition, providing policy suggestions as an alternative to other conservative blueprints like Project 2025. Upon his return to office in January 2025, President Trump unveiled his 'America First Priorities,' focusing on border security, ending 'catch-and-release' policies, reinstating 'Remain in Mexico,' and deploying armed forces to the border. His administration also prioritized energy dominance, housing initiatives, and a re-evaluation of global health assistance to favor bilateral agreements and U.S. health products.

As of August 2026, the America First Movement, largely channeled through AFPI, continues to exert significant influence. AFPI reported in January 2026 that 91% of its federal policy recommendations had been implemented or were in active progress during the first year of Trump's second term, with AFPI alumni serving in key federal agencies, including seven cabinet secretaries. The institute actively promotes policies across areas like election integrity, pro-life protections, energy independence, and parental rights in education, with 18 states now having universal school choice. The White House also released 'President Trump's America First Resilience Strategy' in June 2026, focusing on national security, prosperity, and freedom, and the FY27 National Security Appropriations bill codified executive orders to defund Biden-era climate, gender, and DEI policies.

However, the movement is not monolithic. In August 2026, a new 'America First' faction emerged, led by figures like former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. This group expressed dissatisfaction with President Trump's stance on the ongoing Iran war, arguing it contradicts the movement's core non-interventionist principles. This development highlights a potential ideological rift within the broader 'America First' landscape, questioning whether the movement is defined by its stated principles or solely by the actions of its most prominent leader.