How Donald Trump’s “America First” Became “Israel First”: Unpacking the Shift in Policy and Influence

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From “America First” to “Israel First”: The Policy Transformation

Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign promised to put America first, but by 2025, his policies and alliances reveal a striking pivot toward prioritizing Israel. Understanding this shift requires examining key policy decisions that reshaped U.S.-Israel relations under his administration.

Key Policy Moves:

• Embassy Move to Jerusalem
  What: In 2018, Trump moved the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, officially recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
  Why it matters: This broke decades of U.S. diplomatic tradition, sidelining Palestinian claims and peace negotiations.
  Implications: It signaled unequivocal U.S. support for Israel, alienating Palestinians and much of the international community.
• Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal
  What: Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and imposed harsh sanctions.
  Why it matters: This aligned with Israel’s top security concerns, as Israel viewed Iran as a major threat.
  Implications: It heightened tensions in the Middle East and reinforced U.S.-Israel strategic alignment.
• Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty over the Golan Heights
  What: In 2019, Trump recognized Israel’s claim to the Golan Heights, territory internationally considered Syrian.
  Why it matters: This was unprecedented and strongly supported by Israel.
  Implications: It further cemented U.S. backing of Israeli territorial claims, challenging international law norms.
• Support for Israeli Settlements and Anti-Semitism Definition
  What: Trump declared West Bank settlements legal and broadened the definition of anti-Semitism to include criticism of Israel.
  Why it matters: These moves reversed decades of U.S. policy and limited criticism of Israeli government actions.
  Implications: They deepened the divide in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and influenced domestic discourse on Israel.
• The Abraham Accords
  What: Brokered by Jared Kushner, these normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states bypassed Palestinian statehood issues.
  Why it matters: They shifted regional alliances without resolving core Palestinian concerns.
  Implications: Israel gained legitimacy and allies while maintaining the status quo on Palestinian rights.

The Money Behind the Shift: Miriam Adelson and Pro-Israel Donors

Financial influence plays a pivotal role in shaping political priorities. The relationship between Trump and major pro-Israel donors reveals why his policies skew heavily toward Israel.

Key Financial Influences:

• Miriam Adelson’s $100 Million Donation
  What: Adelson, an Israeli-born billionaire and staunch Zionist, donated over $100 million to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
  Why it matters: She is one of the largest single donors in U.S. political history, with a clear agenda to promote Israel’s interests.
  Implications: Her funding likely influenced Trump’s unwavering support for hardline Israeli policies.
• AIPAC and Pro-Israel PACs’ $230 Million Investment
  What: Since 2020, pro-Israel political action committees have spent hundreds of millions supporting Trump-aligned candidates.
  Why it matters: AIPAC’s strategy ensures politicians who back Israel receive strong electoral support.
  Implications: This creates a powerful lobbying ecosystem that prioritizes Israel in U.S. foreign policy.
• The Adelson School and Cultural Influence
  What: Adelson founded a school where students pledge allegiance to both the U.S. and Israel, symbolizing dual loyalty.
  Why it matters: It reflects a cultural and ideological commitment to Israel within influential donor circles.
  Implications: This cultural reinforcement supports political agendas favoring Israel.

Family Ties and Business Interests: Jared Kushner’s Role

Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, has been a central figure in shaping Middle East policy, blending personal, political, and business interests.

Key Points on Kushner:

• Longstanding Relationship with Netanyahu
  What: Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have known each other since childhood.
  Why it matters: This personal connection gave Kushner unique access and influence in Israeli politics.
  Implications: It raised questions about impartiality in U.S. Middle East policy.
• Architect of the Abraham Accords
  What: Kushner led efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states without addressing Palestinian statehood.
  Why it matters: This shifted regional dynamics in Israel’s favor.
  Implications: Palestinians were sidelined, and the conflict’s core issues remained unresolved.
• Post-White House Business Deals
  What: After leaving office, Kushner’s private equity firm received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, among others.
  Why it matters: Critics argue this represents a conflict of interest, leveraging political connections for profit.
  Implications: It exemplifies the “swamp” behavior Trump promised to end, blending governance with personal gain.
• Gaza Reconstruction Plans
  What: Kushner and associates have discussed multi-billion-dollar plans to rebuild Gaza, with indications these plans predated recent conflicts.
  Why it matters: This suggests long-term strategic planning around Gaza’s future, possibly with real estate and political motives.
  Implications: Raises ethical questions about viewing a humanitarian crisis through a business lens.

The Pro-Israel Administration: Key Figures and Their Influence

Trump’s 2024 administration is heavily staffed with individuals whose careers and beliefs strongly support Israel, shaping policy from within.

Notable Figures:

• Susie Wildes, Chief of Staff
  What: Previously worked on Netanyahu’s reelection campaign.
  Why it matters: She manages Trump’s operations with a pro-Israel background.
  Implications: Israel’s interests are deeply embedded in the White House’s daily functioning.
• Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
  What: Longtime hawkish pro-Israel senator.
  Why it matters: Controls U.S. foreign policy with a strong Israel-first stance.
  Implications: U.S. diplomacy is likely to favor Israeli security concerns aggressively.
• Mike Huckabee, Ambassador to Israel
  What: Christian Zionist who denies Palestinian identity.
  Why it matters: Represents U.S. in Israel with a biased perspective.
  Implications: Undermines balanced peace efforts and fuels evangelical support for Israel.
• Steven Miller and Howard Lutnik
  What: Senior policy adviser and commerce secretary, both major pro-Israel supporters.
  Why it matters: Influence policy and economic decisions aligned with Israel’s agenda.
  Implications: Reinforces the administration’s Israel-first orientation.
• Media Influence: Mark Levin
  What: Conservative media figure calling Trump “our first Jewish president.”
  Why it matters: Shapes public perception and reinforces pro-Israel narratives.
  Implications: Creates an echo chamber that normalizes and celebrates Trump’s Israel loyalty.

The Epstein Connection: A Controversial Layer

Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to powerful figures, including Trump and Israeli intelligence-linked individuals, add a complex and uncomfortable dimension to the discussion.

Key Considerations:

• Trump-Epstein Relationship
  What: Social connections in the 1990s and early 2000s, later severed.
  Why it matters: Raises questions about influence and access to compromising information.
  Implications: While no evidence of blackmail exists, the association fuels speculation about hidden pressures.
• Epstein’s Israeli Links
  What: Connections to Israeli political figures and intelligence-related individuals.
  Why it matters: Suggests possible intelligence operations involving blackmail or influence.
  Implications: Adds a layer of intrigue to Trump’s unwavering pro-Israel stance.

What This Means for America and Trump Supporters

The shift from “America First” to “Israel First” under Trump’s leadership is complex, driven by money, family ties, administration personnel, and geopolitical strategy.

Why It Matters to You:

• Accountability Is Key
  What: Supporters have the right and responsibility to question policies that prioritize foreign interests over American citizens.
  Why it matters: Blind loyalty undermines democracy and national interests.
  Implications: Voters must demand transparency and alignment with America-first promises.
• Understanding Influence Helps Voters
  What: Recognizing the role of donors, family, and advisors clarifies why policies look the way they do.
  Why it matters: Informed voters can better advocate for their priorities.
  Implications: Encourages active civic engagement and critical thinking.
• Support Doesn’t Mean Unconditional Endorsement
  What: Loving a leader means holding them accountable when they stray from their promises.
  Why it matters: Ensures leaders remain true to their commitments.
  Implications: Strengthens democratic processes and policy integrity.

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s policies have overwhelmingly favored Israel, marking a significant departure from his “America First” campaign promises.
• Massive financial support from pro-Israel donors like Miriam Adelson has heavily influenced Trump’s political priorities.
• Jared Kushner’s personal and business ties to Israel and the Middle East have shaped U.S. policy and raised conflict-of-interest concerns.
• Trump’s administration is staffed with deeply pro-Israel figures, reinforcing a consistent Israel-first agenda.
• The Epstein connection adds a controversial, though unproven, layer of potential influence on Trump’s loyalties.
• Voters and supporters must hold leaders accountable to ensure policies truly serve American interests first.

This nuanced understanding empowers you to engage thoughtfully in political conversations, advocate for transparency, and demand that America’s leaders prioritize the nation’s citizens above all else. Share these insights to foster informed dialogue and strengthen democratic accountability.