The America First Movement: Historical Origins and Contemporary Revival

The "America First" movement represents one of the most significant and controversial political phenomena in American history, with roots stretching back to the late 19th century and experiencing a dramatic revival in recent years. This slogan, which ostensibly prioritizes American interests above international concerns, carries complex historical baggage while continuing to shape contemporary political discourse. The phrase has experienced multiple incarnations throughout American history, from its early nationalist origins to its controversial role during World War II, and most recently as a cornerstone of Donald Trump's political platform.

The "America First" slogan has deep historical roots dating back to the 1880s, offering answers to fundamental questions about American identity and international engagement2. However, the phrase gained its most notable early prominence through the America First Committee (AFC), an isolationist pressure group formed in September 1940 specifically to oppose United States entry into World War II15.

The AFC was founded by Yale Law School student R. Douglas Stuart Jr., heir to the Quaker Oats Company fortune, and headed by Robert E. Wood, a retired U.S. Army general who served as chairman of Sears, Roebuck and Co1. At its peak, the organization boasted between 800,000 and 850,000 members across 450 chapters nationwide, making it one of the largest peace organizations in U.S. history18. The committee attracted a remarkably diverse coalition including Republicans, Democrats, farmers, industrialists, communists, anti-communists, students, and journalists1. Notable members included prominent cultural figures such as Sinclair Lewis, e.e. cummings, Walt Disney, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Norman Thomas8.

However, the most recognizable face of the movement was Charles Lindbergh, the famed aviator whose celebrity status gave the AFC significant public visibility15. The AFC argued that the United States should remain neutral in the European conflict, opposing measures like the destroyers-for-bases deal and the Lend-Lease bill intended to aid Great Britain18. Their fundamental position was that no foreign power could successfully attack a well-defended United States, and that British defeat would not threaten American security1.

The movement was not monolithic, containing various factions with differing priorities. As historian noted in The Heritage Foundation commentary, "Like any mass political movement, America First was an amalgamation of groups and fellow travelers who sometimes shared little more in common than an opposition to America's entry into the war"11. Lindbergh himself maintained distinctions between different anti-war groups, at one point distancing himself from the No Foreign Wars Committee over leadership concerns11.

The AFC became controversial primarily due to anti-Semitic and pro-fascist views expressed by some of its most prominent representatives, particularly Lindbergh14. In a notorious speech delivered in September 1941, Lindbergh acknowledged Nazi persecution of Jews but controversially claimed: "The Jews are one of the principle forces attempting to lead the U.S. into the war. The Jews' greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio and our government"8. These statements drew heavily on anti-Semitic tropes similar to those found in propaganda of the era.

The committee's activities ended abruptly following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The AFC formally dissolved four days later on December 11, urging its members to support the war effort15. This rapid disbanding demonstrated the pragmatic shift that occurred once America was directly attacked, as isolationism became untenable in the face of actual warfare.

Beyond the specific organization of the AFC, scholars have identified a broader "America First tradition" within American political thought. Cambridge University Press published research defining this tradition as "an expression of a fascist politics of national identity rooted in American history and not merely a copy of twentieth-century interwar European models"2. This perspective challenges diffusionist theories of fascism, suggesting American isolationism and nationalism had indigenous roots rather than being purely imported from Europe.

Professor Sarah Churchwell of the University of London contends that what may seem merely a patriotic or nationalistic slogan carries a darker history in American political discourse12. Her research connects "America First" rhetoric to lesser-known histories of American fascism, exploring how the slogan functioned beyond simple economic protectionism to advance particular visions of American identity and global engagement.

The phrase experienced a significant revival when Donald Trump adopted "America First" as a central campaign slogan during his 2016 presidential bid and subsequent administration47. Trump's foreign policy address in April 2016 prominently featured the phrase, prompting immediate concerns about its historical associations4. The Anti-Defamation League specifically asked Trump to reconsider using the slogan, noting: "For many Americans, the term 'America First' will always be associated with and tainted by this history"4.

Despite these concerns, the slogan became a defining feature of Trump's political identity and policy approach. The contemporary America First movement emphasizes economic nationalism, protectionist trade policies, skepticism toward international institutions, and prioritization of narrowly defined national interests710. According to the America First Policy Institute, this approach "promotes the interests of Americans while actively engaging with the international community through strong alliances"10.

Following Trump's departure from office in 2021, the America First Policy Institute was established to continue advocating for these principles6. The organization has hosted events such as the "Fourth Annual America First Experience & Gala," which celebrated Trump's 2024 election victory and featured appearances from figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and international allies such as Argentine President Javier Milei6.

The 2025 incarnation of America First, sometimes dubbed "America First 2.0," represents an intensified version of the original approach7. Following Trump's return to the White House, this updated vision encompasses aggressive economic nationalism, heightened protectionism, and significant geopolitical realignment7. Key features include proposed tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports, penalties for American companies that outsource jobs, and incentives to relocate supply chains to the United States7.

In its first month, the second Trump administration implemented numerous executive orders aligned with America First principles, from lowering healthcare costs through price transparency to suspending security clearances of lawyers associated with prior investigations of Trump3. The administration has also focused heavily on immigration enforcement, with arrests of undocumented immigrants reportedly increasing 627% in a single month3.

The relationship between America First and Project 2025 represents a significant element of the contemporary movement. Project 2025 is a political initiative developed by conservative think tanks, particularly The Heritage Foundation, with the stated goal of reshaping the federal government and consolidating executive power in favor of right-wing policies9. While Trump initially attempted to distance himself from Project 2025, analysis by Time magazine found that nearly two-thirds of his early executive actions in 2025 "mirror or partially mirror" proposals from the project9. This suggests substantial ideological alignment between the formal America First platform and Project 2025's vision.

The philosophical outlook of today's America First movement centers on several core principles: restoring the family as the centerpiece of American life, dismantling the administrative state, defending national sovereignty and borders, and securing individual rights9. This approach reflects a particular interpretation of American founding principles that emphasizes traditional values and limited government.

On the international stage, America First 2.0 has triggered significant reactions from global powers, particularly in the context of the renewed U.S.-China trade tensions7. The movement's skepticism toward international institutions and preference for bilateral relationships represents a marked departure from post-Cold War American foreign policy orthodoxy. The America First approach to national security explicitly positions itself against what it characterizes as "the failed foreign policy of a Biden Administration," offering instead what proponents describe as "a proven pathway forward"10.

Conclusion

The America First movement represents a persistent strain in American political thought that has experienced multiple revivals throughout history. From its controversial role during World War II to its contemporary resurgence, the slogan encapsulates fundamental tensions in American identity and international engagement. While proponents view it as a necessary correction to perceived overextension of American resources abroad, critics remain concerned about its historical associations and potential for fostering isolationism or xenophobia.

As the movement continues to evolve in its current iteration, its impact on domestic policy, international relations, and American political culture will likely remain profound. The America First tradition's longevity demonstrates its resonance with enduring questions about national identity, economic self-interest, and America's proper role in global affairs. Whether viewed as a dangerous regression or a pragmatic reassertion of national priorities, the America First movement continues to shape American politics in ways that reach far beyond a simple slogan.

Citations:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_First_Committee
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/fascism-in-america/america-first/FD7AF598E284A1CAA6413B4761A4CEA3
3. https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/america-first-unfiltered-major-wins-from-president-trumps-white-house-feb-28-2025
4. https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/27/politics/donald-trump-america-first-nationalist-history/index.html
5. https://www.britannica.com/topic/America-First-Committee
6. https://americafirstpolicy.com
7. https://www.e-spincorp.com/america-first-2-0-trump-2025-global-impact/
8. https://www.npr.org/2016/07/23/487097111/america-first-invoked-by-trump-has-a-complicated-history
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_2025
10. https://americafirstpolicy.com/issues/an-america-first-approach-to-u.s-national-security-key-excerpts
11. https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/the-truth-about-the-america-first-movement
12. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/podcasts/10-minute-talks-america-first-and-american-fascism/
13. https://democracyforward.org/the-peoples-guide-to-project-2025/
14. https://www.mnhs.org/lindbergh/learn/controversies
15. https://www.project2025.org
16. https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/09/09/america-first-american-dream-trumpism/
17. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/america-first-investment-policy/
18. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/america-first-is-only-making-the-world-worse-heres-a-better-approach/
19. https://fpif.org/the-ugly-origins-of-trumps-america-first-policy/
20. https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/06/america-first-agenda-what-to-know-about-the-project-2025-alternative-reportedly-behind-trump-transition/
21. https://www.cigionline.org/articles/the-week-that-was-america-first-begins-to-take-shape/
22. https://time.com/7006686/history-america-first-dawes/
23. https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2025/02/president-issues-national-security-memorandum-on-america-first-investment-policy
24. https://www.creative-wisdom.com/teaching/sunday_school/America_First_Movement_Then_n_Now.pdf
25. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America_First_(policy)
26. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/24/us/politics/donald-trump-campaign-america-first-policy-institute.html
27. https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/americans-and-the-holocaust/main/america-first-committee-2
28. https://www.citystgeorges.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2025/january/trump-america-first
29. https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/02/06/513240634/america-first-from-charles-lindbergh-to-president-trump
30. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/project-2025-would-destroy-the-u-s-system-of-checks-and-balances-and-create-an-imperial-presidency/
31. https://thehumanist.com/magazine/may-june-2019/features/america-first-all-over-again/