America’s institutions—our schools, government agencies, and media—are undeniably broken. Many who identify with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement rightly call for serious reform or even wholesale replacement of systems that no longer serve the people. But beneath the surface of these calls lies a dangerous history and an escalating polarization that threaten to undermine the very future we want to protect.
To understand the stakes, we must look honestly at two slogans that have shaped American political discourse for nearly a century: “America First” and “Make America Great Again.” Both have been revived recently, but both carry legacies we cannot afford to ignore.
The Dark Side of “America First”: Then and Now
The original America First movement of the late 1930s opposed U.S. involvement in World War II. On the surface, this non-interventionist stance may seem principled, even prudent. But it was also marked by troubling undercurrents.
“The three most important groups who have been pressing this country toward war are the British, the Jewish, and the Roosevelt administration.” – Charles Lindbergh, 1941
Charles Lindbergh, the movement’s leading voice, openly blamed “the Jewish people” for pushing America into war, fueling dangerous antisemitic conspiracy theories that scapegoated Jews as disloyal or manipulative. Though the movement officially disavowed antisemitism, it tolerated and even enabled such sentiments, allowing nativist and exclusionary rhetoric to flourish.
Fast forward to today, and we see echoes of this troubling legacy within certain “America First” nationalist circles. Mainstream media personalities such as Tucker Carlson and political commentators like Candace Owens have popularized themes of nationalism, skepticism toward globalism, and cultural grievance that resonate with America First rhetoric. While not explicitly antisemitic, their commentary often overlaps with language and ideas that have been adopted by extremist groups within the broader nationalist movement.
Moreover, far-right activists like Nick Fuentes openly embrace antisemitic views under the America First banner, reviving conspiracies and rhetoric that echo the movement’s darker origins. Online forums and extremist networks associated with this brand remain breeding grounds for coded antisemitism and exclusionary ideology.
“Movements that prioritize ‘the nation’ above all else risk sliding into exclusion, scapegoating, and division—precisely the outcomes we must reject.”
Reagan’s MAGA vs. Trump’s MAGA: A Tale of Two Visions
Ronald Reagan’s use of “Make America Great Again” in 1980 was a call to renew America’s spirit through optimism, unity, and faith in free markets and traditional values. Reagan spoke of a shining city on a hill, where hard work and shared ideals would overcome challenges.
Contrast that with the current MAGA movement, which often centers on grievance—resentment toward globalization, immigration, and “elites” blamed for America’s perceived decline. While this energy reflects real frustrations, it also frequently fosters tribalism, division, and a politics of anger rather than aspiration.
Reagan’s MAGA invited Americans in; today’s MAGA sometimes pushes people away by defining “real Americans” in ways that exclude. Reagan believed in leading by example, showing strength without spite. The modern movement, however, too often mistakes antagonism for strength.
The Need for a Better Way Forward
We want to reform corrupted institutions, but not at the cost of becoming what we despise. We want to restore America’s greatness without succumbing to division, demonization, or dangerous exclusion.
The Reagan model offers a path:
- Clarity without cruelty: Call out wrongs firmly but respectfully.
- Build, don’t just burn: Create new institutions and local leadership to replace failing systems.
- Principled non-compromise: Stand firm on values without resorting to bitterness.
- Inspire, don’t just react: Paint a vision of what America can be, not just what it isn’t.
Rejecting the dangerous shadows of the past—antisemitism, exclusion, tribal hatred—is essential if we want a conservative future worthy of our principles.
Conclusion
The slogans we revive carry history and power. “America First” reminds us to put the nation’s interests at heart—but must never become a cover for bigotry. “Make America Great Again” calls us to renewal—but only if it embraces hope over grievance.
America’s renewal demands a Reagan-style leadership: unyielding in principle, gracious in posture, and visionary in purpose.
It’s time to reclaim the future with courage and kindness, not chaos.
