Donald Trump’s return to the White House with his “America First” doctrine has reignited debate about the role of the United States on the global stage. Clifford May, founder of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), argues that a retreat from global engagement contradicts Trump’s own vision of a “great” America.
“There’s a disconnect, at least as it appears to me, between the slogans ‘America First’ and ‘Make America Great Again’,” May said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. “To be ‘great again,’ America must lead. And, it cannot lead if it yields ground to adversaries like communist China, because that is precisely [President] Xi Jinping’s goal.”
Trump’s second term has seen him reiterate his skepticism towards allies, denounce global institutions, and favor transactional diplomacy. He has criticized NATO members for low defense spending amid Russian aggression, condemned the global trade system as biased against U.S. interests, and sanctioned the International Criminal Court. Domestically, he has tightened immigration policies and reduced foreign aid, actions seen by critics as part of a broader U.S. withdrawal from global leadership.
While some supporters argue for inward focus to address domestic issues like deindustrialization and inequality, May contends that retreat could undermine U.S. global preeminence. May, who founded the FDD after the 9/11 attacks, has long advocated for robust U.S. engagement abroad.
He believes the world is more dangerous today than during the Cold War, facing not just Moscow but an “axis of aggressors” including Beijing, Pyongyang, and Tehran. Their shared goal, he argues, is to dismantle the U.S.-led liberal order.
“This is a more challenging Cold War than the previous one,” May said. Despite ideological differences, he dismisses the notion that their cooperation is merely opportunistic. He points to China, North Korea, and Iran’s material support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, including missiles, drones, and troops. He also highlights potential technology transfers from Russia to China and North Korea.
May’s comments highlight the tension between Trump’s “America First” rhetoric and the need for global leadership to maintain U.S. influence.
