Weekly Wisdom | America First Rises
The New Conservative Force
The younger generation of American conservatives and disillusioned MAGA supporters have come together to create a new political movement, called America First. In response to perceived failures of the Trump administration, America First conservatives and populists champion working-class economics combined with an isolationist foreign policy. Stated another way, this fledgling movement seeks out politicians who shun billionaire donors and stand up for the Bill of Rights. We should pay attention to this increasingly influential group of disenchanted voters.
A quick summary of some America First positions:
First and foremost, America First distinguishes itself from neoconservatives and parts of MAGA by being skeptical of our relationship with Israel. Whether it is political candidates like James Fishback or political influencers like Nick Fuentes, Israel is unpopular with this emerging movement. Why? They believe that our foreign policy is dictated by Israeli interests, and those interests are considered detrimental to those of the United States.
America First is also disappointed, to put it mildly, over the handling of the Epstein case and other deep state criminals (i.e., Russia collusion, the 2020 election, COVID-19, and on and on). This Substack has consistently argued that the lack of accountability for the massive criminality over the past decade would come back to haunt President Trump and his administration. Unfortunately, a portion of his 2024 coalition is demoralized by the lack of prosecutions to date.
America First adherents also advocate for maximalist positions regarding national sovereignty, including mass deportations and an end to H1-B visas. Beyond illegal immigration, many prominent supporters want a moratorium on legal immigration. The America First immigration program is far more restrictionist than the majority of MAGA Republicans, who often want legal (albeit limited) immigration.
Many America First supporters are also fiercely opposed to implementing Flock cameras and developing additional data centers. America First is highly skeptical, if not hostile, to the Tech Right, which played a prominent role in President Trump’s election. Palantir and Peter Thiel, in this worldview, are cast as villains threatening our freedom like leftists.
America First supporters are strong traditionalists who yearn for a more traditional America that had less societal chaos and clearly defined roles for men, women, children, and the family. Over the last 100 years, the data clearly supports the rising ignorance and increasing degeneracy of the American population. Crime, abortions, drug use, alcoholism, narcissism, rudeness, and overall anti-social behavior have grown substantially over the past century.
President Trump, the Republican leadership, and powerful activists had better take note of the America First movement. Gen Z conservatives, both men and women, want more radical politics to deal with the legitimate failures of some of President Trump’s policies. If America First is ignored, it won’t be long until the right-wing version of Mayor Mamdani emerges to shake the party up. Whether we like it or not, America First is here to stay!
