A policy book released by the America First Policy Institute outlines a national security agenda focused on an “America First” approach, with key proposals including making future military aid to Ukraine contingent on peace talks with Russia and banning Chinese nationals from buying property near U.S. government buildings. The group aims to support a potential second Trump administration, independent of the current campaign, by providing policy recommendations and preparing for executive orders.
The book’s authors, including Fred Fleitz and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, have consulted with former President Trump on the content, with a focus on strategies and grand designs for national security. They criticize the current U.S. national security trajectory as failing due to a globalist approach, advocating for a more nationalist stance on issues such as Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. The book suggests conditioning military aid to Ukraine on peace talks, while also discussing broader diplomatic strategies.
One of the main arguments in the book is that President Biden’s handling of the war in Ukraine has been ineffective, with the authors claiming that Putin would not have invaded if Trump were in office. The book proposes peace talks with Russia by delaying NATO membership for Ukraine and establishing a long-term security plan for defense. It also recommends placing levies on Russian energy sales to support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The authors critique Trump’s transition efforts in 2016, highlighting a lack of preparation that hindered the implementation of his agenda. They stress the importance of identifying and filling key national security positions with Trump loyalists who align with the “America First” approach. The book calls for a more strategic and proactive approach to national security, particularly with regards to China, which is seen as the most pressing threat.
The China policy outlined in the book focuses on economic concerns, proposing reciprocal measures to restrict Chinese access to U.S. markets and strengthen screening of cyber companies owned by U.S. adversaries. It suggests visa restrictions on Chinese students, bans on Chinese apps like TikTok, and limitations on Chinese property purchases near government buildings. The authors’ individual perspectives shape their views on an “America First” policy, with recommendations tailored to their areas of expertise.
Overall, the policy book from the America First Policy Institute presents a comprehensive national security agenda rooted in an “America First” philosophy. It offers recommendations on key issues such as Ukraine, China, and defense policies, aiming to provide a strategic roadmap for a potential second Trump administration. While the group emphasizes its independence from the current campaign, it remains aligned with Trump’s policy objectives and seeks to influence future national security decisions.
