Center for American Security

Policy Priorities

Maintain the America First Tradition in the National Security Profession
Bolster America's Economic Might
Expand America's Unrivaled Military Strength
End Endless Wars and Make Foreign Commitments Strategic
Secure the Southern Border
Eliminate Global Terrorists Who Threaten to Harm Americans

The twin American victories in the Second World War and the Cold War established our country as “the last, best hope for man on Earth.” Freedom’s cause in every part of the globe depends upon a strong America. With our country secure, we can, with greater confidence, advance American security abroad. American security is exemplified by a strong military, fair trade deals, alliances that are equitable, aggressors who are isolated, and those who harm us, destroyed. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) examines American security abroad as a prerequisite for peace at home: always putting American interests first. This includes removing ourselves from endless, unnecessary wars in order to rebuild the homeland, while also understanding our indispensable role in maintaining a world at peace.

The America First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security champions Americans rather than a theoretical “America” imagined by the Washington national security establishment. The exercise of American power requires clear justification, and an America First approach ensures that American power is used in the interest of Americans. To advance that goal, the Center looks to ensure that there will be rigorous advancement of policies which will serve as an authentically American alternative to Washington’s increasingly obsolescent foreign and defense policy orthodoxy.

The phrase America First refers to an approach rooted in an awareness of America’s unique role in the world, and its unmatched ability to do best for others when its people are strong, safe, and prosperous. It means that any commitments of American lives or dollars abroad must come with concrete benefits to the American people. Every investment of American resources needs to reap a substantial security benefit.

Team

Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg

FORMER: Co-Chair, Center for American Security

The Honorable Robert Wilkie

Co-Chair, Center for American Security

Fred Fleitz

Vice Chair, Center for American Security

Jacob Olidort, Ph.D.

Director, Center for American Security

Adam Savit

Director, China Policy Initiative

Gloria McDonald

FORMER: Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Security

Ken Timmerman

Senior Fellow, Center for American Security

Ethan Tan

Policy Analyst

Royce Hood

Policy Analyst, China Policy Initiative

Latest

Op-Ed | June 2, 2025

Thwarting Tehran by Creating Prosperity in Africa

President Donald Trump’s historic visit to the Middle East, the first planned overseas visit of his second term, focused on deepening commercial and cultural ties — investments that not only increase mutual prosperity but also send a strong message to adversaries that their tactics and ambitions will not work.

Op-Ed | May 29, 2025

Iran Desperately Clings to John Kerry’s Terrible Nuke Concession

In his recent speech in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Trump said he doesn’t believe America should have permanent enemies, and he offered Iran “a much brighter future” and “a new path” if its leaders would agree to a deal addressing concerns about their nuclear program. The president discussed reconciling with Iran, envisioning stability and prosperity in the Middle East based on “commerce, not chaos.”

Op-Ed | May 23, 2025

Why It Is So Difficult for Trump to Clean Up Biden’s Ukraine Mess

Whenever I go on British TV news programs for interviews about President Trump’s efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine, I am usually asked two leading questions by condescending British TV hosts: “Do you think President Trump’s Ukraine policy has failed?” and “Do you think Russian President Putin is playing President Trump?’

Statement | May 22, 2025

Secretary Robert Wilkie and Fred Fleitz Condemn the Murder of Two Israeli Diplomats Outside the Capitol Jewish Museum

Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statements from Secretary Robert Wilkie, Chair for American Security and Vice Chair Fred Fleitz on the brutal murder of Israeli diplomats Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram by a far-left antisemitic extremist

Issue Brief | May 21, 2025

FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act: America First Priorities

Every year since 1961, Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act to support our service members and provide them with the necessary tools to meet today’s threats and support our foreign policy objectives.

The following overview builds on the transformational efforts of the Trump-Vance Administration over the last four months, particularly in the eradication of DEI ideology and the elimination of waste from the Department of Defense, and further develops its defense priorities by prioritizing the following areas: