America First

This Is What America First Looks Likeby Samuel CarterIn the grand theater of international politics, the Oval Office is no mere stage—it’s a symbol of American authority, a global seat of power, and arguably the most recognized political setting in the world. To be invited there by the President of the United States should be considered not just an honor, but a privilege. It’s a moment that confers upon the visitor a status of high-level respect. It was therefore startling to witness the leader of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky, appearing to display what many perceive as ingratitude—or at the very least, a serious misjudgment of diplomatic decorum—when meeting with the U.S. President.In recent years, the United States has played an indispensable role in supporting Ukraine. The conflict in Eastern Europe has rattled the global order, and while the roots and responsibilities of that conflict are many, one fact is crystal clear: American taxpayer dollars have flowed steadily into Ukraine’s defense. From weapons systems to economic aid, from intelligence support to humanitarian assistance, our contributions have been neither trivial nor purely symbolic. They have been massive and continuous, totalling billions of dollars and reflecting a commitment that few other nations, if any, have matched in scale or scope.America’s Generosity on DisplayYet despite this generosity, images and reports from their Oval Office meeting suggested President Zelensky came with a posture that was, at times, less than deferential. Some watchers, including journalists and political commentators, noted a strain of entitlement in his tone. Whether he intended it or not, the effect was that he came across as someone who not only demanded more from the U.S. but seemed to assume it was simply America’s duty—without acknowledging the extraordinary lengths to which our nation has already gone.One could argue that any visiting head of state fighting for the survival of his country has reason to be bold in his ask. Wars, after all, are existential. But where is the line between resolute advocacy for one’s homeland and brazen disrespect for one’s host? It is here that the principle “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” comes into sharp focus. Whether we phrase it as old-fashioned wisdom or modern political reality, the meaning remains: generosity is not guaranteed. It’s offered. Disrespecting the provider of that generosity is an unwise diplomatic choice.The Weight of ‘America First’Americans have a long history of helping allies in times of need. Indeed, it’s part of our national character. However, there is a turning tide in American politics—one that says we must look after our interests before all else. “America First,” a slogan that has resonated with millions of voters, essentially calls for a reevaluation of the blank checks often extended internationally. The message is that while we can and should help others, it must not be at the perpetual expense of our own priorities, citizens, and resources.When Zelensky appears to disrespect the American president in the very office that has guided more than two centuries of American democracy, that’s not just a personal slight. It becomes a slight against the American people who fund the U.S. government, serve in its military, and stand behind our values. The billions poured into Ukraine come from those taxpayers. They are mothers, fathers, veterans, and everyday citizens trying to make ends meet. If you’re asking for their continued support, graciousness—or at least humble acknowledgment—should be the bare minimum.A History of AidThis is not about whether Ukraine’s cause is worthy. Americans, in overwhelming measure, believe that smaller nations have a right to defend themselves. The question is how to balance our moral inclinations with real-world constraints—and how foreign leaders approach the partnership. Our history is rich with examples of places where American intervention turned the tide. From post-World War II Europe to the Marshall Plan, we’ve rebuilt nations and stabilized regions. The difference is that gratitude for this aid was once commonplace. Leaders were typically seen expressing deep appreciation, sometimes going so far as to hold ceremonies or rename public squares in recognition of American assistance. It wasn’t a requirement, of course, but it symbolized an understanding that help is a two-way street: we give, they receive, and a respectful bond forms as a result.Diplomatic Decorum MattersDiplomacy is about optics as much as it is about substance. If a head of state believes the world owes him something, that belief cannot override the graciousness due to those who actually make that “something” a reality. And in the case of the United States, with its arsenal of advanced weaponry, intelligence networks, logistical capabilities, and unparalleled financial clout, it is simply unwise to risk alienating the very nation that keeps your lights on—literally and figuratively. Being perceived as ungrateful or dismissive undercuts future appeals for assistance and sours the support you’ve already secured.Moreover, the principle of “America First” doesn’t equate to “America Alone.” Rather, it suggests a thorough reconsideration of how and why we assist others, ensuring that whatever we do aligns with our strategic interests and does not sacrifice our own economic and social well-being indefinitely. Indeed, many Americans see the steady flow of cash and arms abroad and wonder if their own infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems might be better funded if we tempered our foreign engagements. This sentiment becomes amplified if foreign leaders show even a hint of disrespect.The Cost of IngratitudeIn every relationship, personal or geopolitical, gratitude fosters goodwill. When that gratitude is absent, or worse, replaced by scorn or apparent entitlement, the well of goodwill can quickly run dry. Should that happen, Ukraine would find itself in a far less advantageous position. If the spigot of American aid slows or ceases, the country’s strategic advantage would wane. Since Ukraine is still reliant on American support to maintain a defense line, especially in critical battles, it’s in President Zelensky’s interest to ensure the strong support from the U.S. continues.Leaders must ask themselves: how can they rally the support of citizens thousands of miles away who are watching inflation, rising energy costs, and a host of domestic issues? By all accounts, the answer should be a combination of humility, explicit appreciation, and a willingness to cooperate, not demands or haughty language.America Is Not the World’s DoormatThere is a narrative in certain global circles that America’s role as a superpower means we automatically assume the caretaker role for all. That’s not entirely untrue historically. But a shift is underway, one that challenges the premise that the U.S. will indefinitely underwrite the defense of countries unable or unwilling to address their own security needs comprehensively. America’s generosity is not endless. It must be respected and reciprocated—at least with acknowledgment and courtesy.From the vantage point of an “America First” perspective, the notion of continuing to send billions of dollars to a foreign war, while our own domestic challenges remain pressing, becomes harder to sell. Political leaders accountable to American voters cannot, in good conscience, ignore their constituents’ voices, especially if evidence surfaces that our generosity is not just unappreciated but openly taken for granted.The Moral of the Story“This Is What America First Looks Like” means we prioritize American welfare, security, and values. It doesn’t shut the door on assisting allies, but it demands a reevaluation: is this ally grateful, cooperative, and respectful toward our nation’s leaders and, by extension, its people? If the answer is “No,” or if the ally’s leader behaves as though it is America’s automatic duty to bankroll their efforts, a course correction is warranted.President Zelensky and Ukraine, on the global stage, remain in a precarious position. A strong alliance with the United States is undoubtedly in their best interest. Yet that alliance hinges, in part, on public perception—how Americans view the relationship and whether they believe the Ukrainian leadership truly values the sacrifices made on its behalf. If Zelensky has in any way appeared ungrateful or disrespectful toward the American president in the Oval Office, that sentiment will reverberate far beyond the fleeting headlines. It will linger in the minds of lawmakers, voters, and those who shape U.S. foreign policy.In the final analysis, the old adage “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” stands as a stark reminder in international diplomacy. America’s generosity is not a blank check; it’s earned, fostered, and maintained through respectful partnership. As we enter an era that emphasizes putting American interests first, it becomes all the more critical for those who benefit from our goodwill to remember that the scale and scope of American aid is not universal or automatic. It’s a gift rooted in trust, shared values, and respect. In other words, if you want America’s hand extended, don’t snap at it. Get full access to Samuel Carter's Substack at therealsamuelcarter.substack.com/subscribe

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