Fourth Annual America First Experience & Gala
The America First Policy Institute Gala event began with a reverent and patriotic tone as Mary Millben, award-winning international singer, delivered a stirring performance of the national anthem. Her words celebrated God, America, and the triumph of Donald J. Trump as the 47th President of the United States. Her heartfelt invocation of the country’s greatness set the tone for an evening that would honor perseverance, freedom, and the American spirit.
Brooke Rollins, President and CEO of AFPI, took the stage, reflecting on the incredible journey that culminated in what many considered the greatest political comeback in American history. Rollins highlighted the significance of America’s recent election victories, the strength of the grassroots America First movement, and the incredible work of her colleagues and supporters who laid the foundation for this moment. She warmly welcomed key figures in the room, including Pastor Jensen Franklin, who delivered a powerful prayer of gratitude and hope, thanking God for America’s renewed path and asking for blessings on President Trump and the nation.
The evening was further energized by remarks from Linda McMahon, Larry Kudlow, and Vivek Ramaswamy. Linda McMahon, former SBA administrator and a co-founder of AFPI, shared her personal reflections on working alongside President Trump to ignite an economy that delivered record-low unemployment, energy independence, and opportunities for all Americans. She underscored the importance of the America First movement as a permanent cause, not a fleeting moment. Kudlow chimed in with a vision for economic growth, border security, and American strength, emphasizing the transformative nature of the policies they had implemented and would continue to champion.
Vivek Ramaswamy energized the audience with a forward-looking message, declaring that the America First movement was not a conclusion but a beginning—a rebirth of American excellence. He praised President Trump’s decisive leadership, including bold new cabinet picks like Tom Homan and Governor Kristi Noem for mass deportations of illegal immigrants and bureaucracy reform. Ramaswamy echoed the crowd’s sentiments by declaring that America’s best days are ahead, promising that the movement would not only save the nation but define its trajectory for the next 250 years.
A highlight of the evening came with remarks from President Javier Milei of Argentina, a bold voice for freedom on the international stage. President Milei congratulated President Trump and celebrated the alignment of their nations in a global fight for liberty. He eloquently condemned socialism’s destructive impact, drawing from Argentina’s struggles, and called for a united Western world to confront despotism and cultural decline. His words electrified the audience, affirming the shared mission to restore Western values and freedom.
Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor, delivered an inspiring introduction for President Trump, likening him to George Washington and hailing his unmatched perseverance. Stallone’s heartfelt praise emphasized the historic nature of President Trump’s comeback and his pivotal role in leading America through this pivotal era.
Finally, President Trump took the stage to a thunderous ovation. He expressed gratitude to his team and the American people for their unwavering support. Trump reflected on the challenges faced over the years, including relentless opposition from the establishment, and celebrated the movement’s victory as a testament to the resilience of the American spirit. He shared a vision for the future: slashing energy costs, restoring law and order, defeating inflation, and revitalizing the military. Trump emphasized the importance of common sense in governance and celebrated record-breaking support from Hispanic and Black voters as a sign of growing unity under the America First banner
Elon Musk delivered a compelling vision for America's future, emphasizing the importance of restoring common sense, fostering safe cities, securing borders, and upholding constitutional freedoms. Musk praised the transformative mandate given by the American people through overwhelming electoral support, highlighting the historic victories across the House, Senate, and governorships. Declaring this to be potentially the most revolutionary presidency since the nation’s founding, Musk expressed enthusiasm for President Trump’s bold cabinet selections, aimed at driving significant, tangible change. He celebrated the end of “business as usual” and the beginning of a new era defined by innovation, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the American people. Musk’s remarks resonated as a call to action for a brighter, unified, and prosperous America.
The event closed with a stirring message from Rollins: “We are at the end of the beginning of the America First movement. Now, we map the next 100 years to give the gift of freedom to our children and grandchildren.” As the crowd erupted in applause, the evening’s spirit of optimism and unity shone brightly—a celebration not only of what had been accomplished but of the incredible journey still ahead.
This evening wasn’t merely a celebration; it was a rallying cry for the future. With faith, freedom, and determination, the America First movement is charting a course for generations to come. The work is just beginning, and with leaders like President Trump and an unwavering base of supporters, the promise of America shines brighter than ever.