On December 18th, 2017, President Trump remarked in his first national security strategy plan “The first duty of our government is to serve its citizens, many of whom have been forgotten. But they are not forgotten any more. With every decision and every action, we are now putting America first.” President Trump’s speech echoed the prioritisation of America’s national interests, taking a step inward by rejecting multilateralism, distancing the U.S. from international agreements, and adopting a more nationalistic approach focused on safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
In essence, “America First” represents a vision of U.S. foreign and domestic policy that prioritizes national interests and economic self-sufficiency, above all aims to restructure global trade, defence, and diplomatic relations in ways that purportedly benefit the U.S. above all. This approach reflects a significant shift away from the multilateral, globalist framework that the United States traditionally adheres to, particularly after World War II. The policy embodies an isolationist stance that advocates for reducing American involvement in international agreements and organisations that he believes undermine U.S. interests. Trump in his statement on June 1, 2017 officially announced “I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord.”, “This is an agreement that disadvantages the United States to the exclusive benefit of other countries.” Upon his reelection as the POTUS in 2025, he reaffirmed his decision to withdraw again from the Paris Climate Accord, arguing “I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off”, “The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.”
U.S. exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) followed similar reasoning, with Trump criticizing the organisation’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its bias toward China. He also reduced U.S. contributions to the United Nations, claiming that the U.S. should not shoulder the financial burden for initiatives misaligned with its priorities. Trump demanded that NATO members meet defence spending targets, viewing the alliance as a financial strain. As William Roberts, an IBA US Correspondent states, “Trump’s presidency has been defined by a rejection of multilateralism, a belief that international agreements undermine U.S. sovereignty, and a focus on making global engagements serve American interests.” These actions exemplified his desire to refocus on domestic concerns at the expense of international cooperation.
Presently, Trump’s tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China signals his commitment to economic protectionism, a cornerstone of his “America First” policy. By imposing steep tariffs—25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and targeting Chinese imports—Trump seeks to reduce the U.S. trade deficit, discourage outsourcing, and push for more domestic manufacturing. His tariffs align with his broader goal of reshaping global trade relations to benefit the U.S., particularly by encouraging foreign companies to relocate production to the U.S. Trump argues that the tariffs are a tool to address domestic issues like illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly with Mexico. However, critics warn that such protectionist measures could fuel inflation, disrupt global supply chains, and lead to retaliatory tariffs from trading partners, undermining long-term growth. Trump himself emphasised the necessity of tariffs. He stated, “When you’re losing $500 billion a year, you can’t continue that,” underscoring his view that tariffs are a vital tool to correct imbalances in U.S. trade relations. Ultimately, Trump’s tariff strategy reflects his prioritisation of national interests over global trade norms, a defining feature of his “America First” approach.
The “America First” policy has profound implications for the United States’ relationships with its traditional allies. The shift from prioritising multilateral agreements to bilateral ones, the United States’ has cultivated tension in its alliances, particularly within NATO and with key partners like Canada and Germany. Trump’s consistent criticism of NATO members for not meeting defence spending targets, combined with his questioning of long-standing security commitments, has fueled doubts about the reliability of the U.S. as an ally. For instance, Trump stated, “NATO is as obsolete as it’s ever been,” signaling his skepticism about the alliance’s value to the U.S. These statements have created tension, as NATO members fear that the U.S. might retreat from its obligations, leaving them vulnerable. Similarly, Trump’s insistence on renegotiating trade deals with allies like Canada, such as with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), reflects his broader transactional approach, often undermining long-standing economic partnerships. Germany, a key U.S. ally in Europe, has also faced criticism from Trump over trade imbalances and defense spending. The shift toward a more transactional, “America First” approach signals a departure from the U.S.’s historical role as a leader of global alliances, raising questions about the future of international cooperation and security.
The “America First” represents a radical departure from the United States’ traditional foreign and domestic strategies. The policy focuses on nationalism, protectionism, and isolationism to reassert U.S. sovereignty, often at the cost of international cooperation and diplomacy. While it resonates with those in the U.S. frustrated by globalisation and foreign entanglements, it also raises questions about the long-term impact on America’s global standing and the health of its relationships with other nations.
