The frauds creeping into the America First movement
By Easton Martin | December 23, 2025
The America First movement is, at its core, a good and necessary idea. Our elected officials should prioritize American interests over foreign interests. We do not need to be sending billions of dollars overseas without clear accountability or transparency, especially when so many Americans are struggling economically, medically, and socially right here at home. A government that cannot care for its own people has no business acting as the world’s benefactor.
All of that is sound. But somewhere along the way, a segment of the America First movement has drifted from its stated purpose. Instead of putting America first, they have put themselves first. What was meant to be a principled posture toward governance and national priorities has, for some, devolved into a self-congratulatory personality cult. These individuals are less concerned with the well-being of the country than with growing their platforms, monetizing outrage, and turning political discourse into a personal brand.
The irony is that many of these figures loudly identify as Christians. Yet their conduct often stands in direct contradiction to the very Scriptures they claim to uphold. Titus 3:1–2 instructs believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for good works, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show gentleness toward all. Those are not optional virtues, nor are they contingent on whether obedience or restraint is profitable.
For many of these self-styled influencers, such commands would be fatal to their business model. Gentleness does not build an audience addicted to outrage. Their relevance depends on constant controversy to keep themselves at the center of attention.
This should serve as a reminder to those of us who genuinely believe in an America First framework: America is bigger than any one individual or online personality. None of us is the movement. If we truly want to put America first, then petty infighting, Schizophrenic conspiracies, and casual dishonesty must be rejected. A movement rooted in truth, restraint, and humility will ultimately do far more for the country than one fueled by ego.
