Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) expressed his skepticism about the phrase “America first,” which has gained traction within the Republican Party’s foreign policy discussions, finding it somewhat confusing and misleading.
In an interview on MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” Romney highlighted his concern over the GOP’s increasing trend toward isolationism, a stance he finds hard to fathom given the party’s historical leadership, including figures like former Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush, as well as former Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Romney contended that the term, which gained prominence under former President Trump, has been fueled by talk radio and television, where provocative ideas often gain popularity among the party’s base.
“Many within our party have embraced a populist viewpoint that suggests we should focus solely on domestic issues and ignore the rest of the world,” Romney stated on MSNBC. “However, they overlook the fact that our economy and security are deeply intertwined with global affairs. If we had adopted such an attitude in the past, it’s possible that Germany might have dominated the world.”
He further elaborated that engaging globally is in America’s self-interest, countering the isolationist interpretation of “America first.” “Involvement in the world actually serves America’s best interests,” he said. “When we take steps to stop harmful actors, we are essentially putting America first.”
As a prominent critic of Trump, Romney argued that an isolationist approach does not ensure a safe and prosperous future for U.S. citizens. He emphasized that if Russian President Vladimir Putin is not fully checked in Ukraine, he may continue his aggressive expansion into Europe.
“Imagine if Putin extends his reach beyond Ukraine into Poland; then we are faced with the prospect of sending our sons and daughters into conflict,” he warned, referencing comments highlighted by Mediaite. “Alternatively, if we abandon NATO, Putin’s ambitions will likely expand unchecked.”
Romney cautioned against a world dominated by China and Russia, suggesting that such a scenario would leave America isolated and vulnerable. “A global order dominated by these powers would not be conducive to American safety or prosperity,” he concluded. “Our security and prosperity are ensured when the world operates under the principles established over the past 75 years.”