Putting forward such important issues as the need to keep communities safe, to have an education without indoctrination or to put national interests first, the first America First Summit brought together in Washington DC some one hundred leaders, politicians, former senior officials and former U.S. government officials. Organized by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), it was attended by some 1,200 people, who gathered to analyze all the proposals of an organization that promises to unify the conservative movement and defend the legacy of the past Administration, which did put the United States first.
For two days, attendees were able to participate by asking questions to the various speakers, organized into panels, and hear the proposals of eight former Cabinet officials of former President Donald Trump, 10 former White House staffers, 10 senators (including Ted Cruz and Rick Scott) and 44 members of the House of Representatives, such as Kevin McCarthy, Byron Donaldson, Steve Scalise and Elise Stefanik. Some state and local leaders, such as Anthony Sabatini, also attended.
With a compact and very full agenda, the summit was a perfect space for analysis and mutual learning for exhibitors and attendees. The main objective was, as explained by Jorge Martinez, director of Hispanic Affairs and spokesperson for AFPI, to seek the best for the American people:
The country deserves a better and brighter future. Our citizens need public policies that put them first (...) The good news is that the America First Policy Institute is working to build a brighter future. We exist to restore the promise of America, because we have full confidence in the potential of the American people, in creating a future by and for Americans and living in a country of peace, prosperity and opportunity never before seen in our nation's history. We exist because we believe that our nation's best days are ahead, that the battle to save it is the noblest fight there is, and that we will win.
To that end, AFPI has developed an action plan with these ten key pillars; at the Summit, participating policymakers and leaders were asked to adhere to it:
- Making the world's best economy work for all Americans.
- Putting patients and doctors in charge of health care.
- Restoring America's historic commitment to freedom, equality and self-government.
- Giving parents more control over their children's education.
- Finishing the border wall, combating human trafficking and defeating the drug cartels.
- Securing peace through American strength and leadership.
- Making the United States energy independent.
- Making it easier to vote and harder to commit voter fraud.
- Establishing safe communities so that all Americans can live in peace.
- Fighting government corruption and draining the swamp.
AFPI President Brooke Rollins opened the summit and stressed the importance of advocating for policies that redound to the greatness and uniqueness of the United States. She announced an ambitious plan to open up to 120 AFPI centers across the country, and to organize conferences and meetings to educate citizens and politicians. Rollins also emphasized the need to fight corruption, defend the integrity of electoral processes and national security, and regain energy independence as soon as possible. "AFPI's mission is to do what the Heritage Foundation accomplished in so many years, but in a more expeditious way," commented some of its founding members. "Americans want solutions to problems like inflation," they insisted.
Divided by panels, the speakers delved into the analysis of key issues such as energy independence, led by former Secretary of Energy Rick Perry; the importance of securing our communities, with the indispensable presence of Missouri Attorney General Erick Schmitt and former Attorney General Whitaker, with whom we were able to talk; or the need to live in peace, with former Security Advisor for the Office of the Vice President and retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.
During the second day of the summit, strategies to restore America's historic commitment to freedom, equality and self-government were discussed, with Pastor Paula White-Cain; the more than fundamental fight against corruption, explained by Senator Steve Daines, or the importance of greater parental control over their children's education, in a panel moderated by Kellyanne Conway and with the brilliant exposition of Senator Ted Cruz.
For the attendees with whom we were able to talk, it is essential to create an effective plan of action and to educate citizens and candidates for public office on the need to put the USA first, so that the latter defend the fundamental principles that have contributed so much to the Judeo-Christian civilization and to Humanity in general.
The Summit ended with a speech by former President Donald J. Trump, who publicly endorsed the America First agenda.
