1910s
An established political phrase
America First language appeared in American politics before the modern era, with different emphases among public figures.
1940
America First Committee
The America First Committee was organized to oppose U.S. entry into World War II. Its policies and context should not be assumed to match later movements.
1941
End of the committee’s campaign
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into World War II, the committee dissolved.
2016
Presidential campaign use
Donald Trump made America First a prominent phrase in his presidential campaign.
2017
Inaugural address
Trump again used America First in his inaugural address, making the slogan central to his administration’s stated foreign-policy framing.
2020s
Different modern uses
Candidates, lawmakers and activists have used the phrase in differing ways, with disagreements about trade, immigration, spending and foreign policy.
Historical associations are not endorsements or evidence that modern people belong to the same organization. Compare contexts directly using historical scholarship.