The Truth About "America First"

America First?

I say the “World First” because if the world is safe, clean, and abundant for all, that includes this country. It’s like on a plane when people pray for themselves to land safely and in one piece. I, on the other hand, pray for everyone because that includes me!

“America First” at the expense of humanity only makes things precarious and unstable for everyone.

Let’s break this down.

“America First” is a slogan that in recent years drove Trump’s presidential campaigns and the MAGA movement. It’s anti-global and xenophobic, two concepts that when combined have split the country and made us a pariah among other nations.

While in its narrow sense, “America First” is about isolation, it’s also about dominance. Interesting how the country with the world’s most powerful military and economic market, one that has played the largest role in shaping the planet for most of the 20th century up till today, now wants further estrangement.

It’s as if the spider that wove the global capitalist world order eats its own web.

During the beginnings of World War I, “America First” became a popular slogan. Why should this country get involved in matters involving Europe? But it became evident that what happened in Europe affected much more. U.S. banks were heavily invested in the Entente powers (the allies). The U.S. officially joined the fighting in 1917 after reports of German atrocities, the sinking of the British passenger ship RMS Lusitania, with 1,193 killed, including more than 100 Americans, but also as revolution began to grip Russia and other countries. A revolutionary tide that would turn the world upside down.

The racist Ku Klux Klan picked up the “American First!” slogan in the 1920s to curtail immigration, leading to acts like the Johnson-Reed Act in 1924 that restricted Eastern and Southern European migrations as well as from non-white peoples. In the 1940s, the “America First Committee” tried to keep the U.S. out of World War II (it disbanded after the attack on Pearl Harbor).

Hitler during his rise in the 1930s used “Germany First” to put forward his fascist program and party. But such an idea had to start with “Hitler First.” A whole nation had to venerate its leader that promised the country would rise (in the end, instead, Germany crumpled to its knees because of one man’s powerlust and greed).

In the United States today “America First” starts with “Trump First,” which he made clear throughout his last campaign–it was about retribution for what others did to him. Recently he declared death to Democrats on social media who said the military should not carry out “illegal orders” from the president (which is constitutionally correct).

In the short time of his second presidency, Trump went to war with the country, including against Democrats, legitimate protestors, and U.S. migrants (not just undocumented, but legal residents and asylum seekers). His followers knew he’d do this. In Germany as well as the United States, an authoritarian state requires authoritarian leaders. The MAGA base supported Trump instead of lower grocery and housing costs, instead of more jobs, instead of better healthcare. Again, in “America First” it’s Trump that comes first. Kidnapping and assaulting mostly good hard-working people, or “owning the libs,” is okay because this is what Trump wants.

“America First” is not about a better and free America. It’s about a more restricted and controlled America.

So when Trump fails, as he’s doing now with tariffs and the economy, the chaotic and costly ICE raids, and other mishaps such as the ongoing battle to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, so will his self-centered policies.

“America First” crumbles as Trump crumbles. Just like “Germany First” did when Hitler did.

The racism and misogyny of the current presidency is founded on a hierarchy of people and values that have existed since the first invaders and colonizers from Europe. Well off white males have been centered in the history books and most narratives of the country. Trump has centered himself over the U.S. Constitution, due process, or longstanding values of fair play and protections for the people.

The rich and powerful, which Trump is amongst, are centered in tax breaks, power deals, and government privilege. His pardons of some of the most vile criminals is based solely on who supports him (including the January 6 insurrectionists).

Now there’s another way to look at “America First.” This country should stand out among nations, but not in the sense the current administration is doing. This country should be first, but in these terms: First in clean and regenerative land, air, and water. First in healthcare and housing. First in making sure all share in the country’s “wealth,” not just the few who own the major technological, manufacturing, and financial institutions.

The U.S. should be first in peace, locally and internationally. In putting massive resources into schools as well as wholesome mental and body development. First in making sure our food, our water, the land, and air are poison free. First in ensuring everyone has a roof over their head.

Why can’t the most powerful country in the world do this? Why can’t it be about what’s right and decent? Why can’t it be the most equitable and caring country in the world? At least as an example to others.

Because the country’s intent was never about this. It was always about power and enrichment for the few over the many. Trump is just “unveiling” what we have always known. If this is about the “Apocalypse,” Trump and MAGA are carrying out the prophecy. Apocalypse is an old Greek word for “revelations.” We are in it–revealing the underpinnings of this upside down system. It’s the naked and stark truth of one powerful capitalist class over every other who must work to get what they need to live.

The revelation is the class nature of how capitalism is at home and in the world. Class warfare waged by the ruling class itself.

To be a patriot is to be for the “fatherland.” Patriot comes from patrias, which comes from the word “father.” Any nation or people should align the patrias with Mother Earth. Fatherland and Mother Earth should be in sync. Not one against the other.

I say then let’s fight for the whole planet. Let’s ensure we are all free of wars, of hunger, of want. Free of desperation and fear. Free of fabricated hierarchies and false values. Free of social class dominance against the laboring masses–the ones who really hold everything up.

For such a world will include us.