America Firster
America Firster
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling
The IPA phonetic spelling for "America Firster" in a standard American English accent is:
/əˈmɛrɪkə ˈfɜrstər/
A-: /ə/ (schwa) - The 'uh' sound, as in the first syllable of "about".
-mer-: /mɛr/ - The 'm' sound followed by the vowel in "dress" and the 'r' sound. This is the primary stressed syllable of "America".
-i-: /ɪ/ - The short 'i' sound, as in "kit".
-ca: /kə/ - The 'k' sound followed by the schwa 'uh' sound.
First-: /ˈfɜrst/ - The 'f' sound, followed by the vowel in "nurse" and the 'st' consonant blend. This syllable carries secondary stress.
-er: /ər/ - The 'er' sound, as in "teacher".
Word Form Variations
Singular: America Firster
Plural: America Firsters
Possessive Singular: America Firster's
Possessive Plural: America Firsters'
Related Ideology (Noun): America Firstism
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
An advocate or supporter of a political ideology centered on prioritizing the domestic interests, economic prosperity, and national security of the United States over international commitments and foreign affairs.
Synonyms: nationalist, isolationist, protectionist, nativist
Antonyms: globalist, internationalist, multilateralist, cosmopolitan
(Often used pejoratively) An individual perceived as an extreme or uncompromising nationalist, whose policy preferences are seen as disregarding the benefits of international cooperation, trade agreements, and alliances.
Synonyms: chauvinist, jingoist, xenophobe
Antonyms: interventionist, humanitarian, altruist
Adjective
(Note: While "America Firster" is not typically used as an adjective, the root phrase "America First" is commonly used in this way.)
America First
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a political or economic policy that is nationalistic, protectionist, and non-interventionist in nature.
Example: "The administration enacted an America First trade policy by imposing new tariffs."
Synonyms: nationalist, isolationist, protectionist, nativistic
Antonyms: globalist, internationalist, multilateral, free-trade
Examples of Use
In Print and Online Publications
In journalism and commentary, the term is often used to describe a specific political and ideological stance, particularly regarding foreign policy and trade.
"For the traditionalists, the problem with Trump is that he’s an America Firster who doesn’t seem to care much about the 'world' part of 'world order,' and doesn’t see our allies as friends to be cherished." (The New York Times, July 2018)
"But the new right is at its core a nationalist movement, and its most energetic and influential members see themselves as America Firsters." (The Atlantic, August 2022)
"What unites the new America Firsters is a belief that the post-Cold War international order no longer serves U.S. interests—and must be summarily dismantled." (Foreign Policy, June 2024)
In Books
In non-fiction books, the term is frequently used to analyze political movements, historical parallels, and shifts in ideology within the United States.
"The original America Firsters of the 1940s and their modern counterparts share a deep-seated skepticism toward foreign entanglements, but their economic arguments have been adapted for an age of globalization." (From The Jungle Grows Back: America and Our Imperiled World by Robert Kagan)
"To be an America Firster, in this view, is not to be an isolationist but to be a realist who demands that allies contribute their fair share and that all international agreements demonstrably benefit the American people."
In Entertainment and Media
The term appears in political commentary shows, podcasts, and fictional media to label characters or viewpoints.
Political Podcast: On a foreign policy podcast, a host might explain a political divide by saying, "The party is split between the neoconservatives who believe in robust intervention and the rising America Firsters who want to bring the troops home."
TV Series: In a fictional political drama like Madam Secretary or The Diplomat, a character might say: "You can't reason with him on the trade deal; he's a staunch America Firster who sees every import as a loss for America."
Talk Show: A late-night host could satirically remark, "I asked my uncle what he wanted for his birthday. He said 'secure borders and fair trade deals.' He's become a full-blown America Firster."
In Public Discourse
In speeches and on social media, the term is used both as a proud self-identifier and as a critical label by opponents.
Political Rally: A candidate might appeal to their base by declaring, "The establishment in Washington calls me an America Firster like it's a bad thing. I think it's about time someone in power actually put the American worker and the American family first!"
Social Media: A social media user might post in support of a policy, "This is the kind of policy we voted for! Putting our country's interests first. Proud to be an America Firster. 🇺🇸"
Debate: In a debate, one person might criticize another's stance by saying, "Your position ignores our global responsibilities. That's a short-sighted, America Firster view that will ultimately weaken our standing in the world."
10 Famous Quotes Using America Firster
To be an America Firster has come to mean that you are a nationalist and a patriot who believes his country should come first. (Patrick J. Buchanan)
The original America Firster of the 1940s was invariably an isolationist who wanted to keep our nation out of foreign wars.
He is an America Firster who doesn’t seem to care much about the 'world' part of 'world order.' (The New York Times)
She proudly identifies as an America Firster, prioritizing domestic policy and the national interest above all else.
Critics argue that to be a modern America Firster is to ignore the complex realities of a globally interconnected economy.
The senator’s voting record on foreign aid confirms his long-held status as a committed America Firster.
Historically, the label of America Firster was applied to those who opposed intervention in the Second World War.
My opponent calls me an America Firster as if it were an insult, but I consider it a badge of honor.
A true America Firster, he argued, must support protectionist trade policies to rebuild the nation's industrial base.
The columnist described the candidate's platform as that of an unapologetic America Firster hostile to international alliances.
Etymology
In simple terms, the etymology of America Firster is the story of how a political slogan evolved into a label for a specific type of person.
The word can be broken into two parts: the slogan "America First" and the suffix "-er," which is commonly added to words to mean "a person associated with something" (like a New Yorker or a gardener).
Here's a breakdown of its history:
1. The Original Slogan (World War I Era)
The first prominent use of the phrase "America First" was by President Woodrow Wilson around 1915-1916. At the time, World War I was raging in Europe, and most Americans wanted to stay out of it. Wilson used "America First" as a campaign slogan to promote a policy of neutrality.
First Meaning: In this original context, "America First" simply meant putting America's interest in remaining peaceful and neutral above any impulse to get involved in a distant European war. It was a mainstream and popular idea.
2. The First "America Firsters" (World War II Era)
The term truly became a label for people in the early 1940s with the creation of the America First Committee. This was a massive and influential organization that strongly opposed the United States entering World War II. Its members and supporters were the first people to be widely called "America Firsters."
First Use as a Label: This is the first time the word was used to describe a specific group of people.
Meaning at the Time: An America Firster was an isolationist—someone who believed the U.S. should focus on its own defense and not get entangled in another global conflict. The famous aviator Charles Lindbergh was the group's most prominent spokesman.
3. The Modern Revival
After World War II, the term faded from common use for many decades. It was revived and brought back into the mainstream during the 2016 presidential campaign by Donald Trump, who made "America First" a central theme of his platform.
Modern Meaning: Today, an America Firster is someone who supports a nationalist and often protectionist ideology. The focus has expanded from simply avoiding foreign wars to include questioning international trade deals, reassessing military alliances, and prioritizing domestic issues over global ones.
In short, the word began as a slogan for staying out of a war, became the name for an anti-war movement's supporters, and has now been reborn to describe a broader nationalist political ideology.
Phrases + Idioms Containing America Firster
A dyed-in-the-wool America Firster
The America Firster wing of the party
To pull up the drawbridge
To go full America Firster
Charity begins at home
An America Firster in name only
To bleed red, white, and blue
Looking out for number one
The new wave of America Firsters
To paddle one's own canoe
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of America Firster from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
