I
firmly believe America should come first — but even more than that, it’s time to embrace a bolder truth: America Only.
Putting our country first is natural and just. Just as we trust our family to take care of us, we should trust and prioritize our nation. It makes little sense to place the well-being of other countries on the same pedestal as our own.
We’re taught in Jewish tradition that caring first for one’s own is not selfish — it’s essential. The ancient sage Hillel once asked: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” But he didn’t stop there. He went on to say: “If I am only for myself, what am I?” That moral insight applies to our country too. To truly love America, we have to put Americans’ interests first — and not just as a first option, but as the only one.
Some argue “America First” means they still care about foreign nations. But when you believe in America Only, you see the difference clearly: our focus shouldn’t be diluted by endless global entanglements. America Only doesn’t require us to abandon decency or empathy — it requires us to act logically, morally, and in our own strong self-interest.
Consider this: foreign aid is often likened to charity, but when that charity comes from American taxpayers, it’s not just generosity — it’s a burden passed on to our own people. And what about military intervention? We should never implicitly agree that America is the world’s policeman. Our duty is to ourselves first. Only when America’s interests are under direct threat should we even consider stepping in abroad.
Some critics say this stance is immoral. They ask: Shouldn’t we care about global suffering? The answer is yes — but not at the constant expense of American citizens. There will never be a moment when America is completely “fixed.” Our problems — at home — are always with us. That’s why the America Only principle rejects the idea of foreign charity as an endless obligation. We're not turning our backs — we're recalibrating our priorities.
Others worry about America’s role as a beacon of freedom. They fear that an “only America” approach abandons our stronger calling: to be a force for good in the world. But to serve as a moral force, you don’t have to fund or save every nation. Exceptionalism doesn’t demand global intervention — it demands strength, principle, and focus.
Finally, some say America’s too flawed to be “only America.” But putting Americans first does not mean excusing our shortcomings. Rather, it means investing in our future — in our children, our workers, our neighborhoods. When we stop diverting money and attention abroad, we can finally build something lasting at home.
America Only is not a retreat — it’s a commitment. A commitment to ourselves. A commitment to our ideals. And a commitment to a future where America doesn’t just come first — it stands alone, strong, and uncompromising.