Jimmy Carter Told Trump How to Put America First, But Will He Do It?

The phrase “Put America First” has been central to Donald Trump’s political rhetoric, often invoking themes of nationalism, economic protectionism, and skepticism of multilateral institutions. The idea of putting American interests first is something that has been championed by various political figures, including former U.S. presidents and political leaders. One such leader was former President Jimmy Carter, who, despite having vastly different political views from Trump, made a statement about America’s global role that resonated with Trump’s “America First” ideology.

1. The “Put America First” Concept:

The “America First” rhetoric, notably associated with Donald Trump’s presidency, is based on prioritizing American sovereignty, economic interests, and national security. This includes policies such as reducing involvement in international agreements or organizations that are seen as unfavorable to U.S. interests, renegotiating trade deals, and emphasizing domestic manufacturing and jobs.

While many see this as an aggressive and isolationist stance, others view it as a necessary recalibration of American foreign policy to ensure that the U.S. is not burdened by international commitments that harm its citizens economically or politically.

2. Jimmy Carter’s Perspective on U.S. Global Leadership:

Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, served as president from 1977 to 1981. His tenure focused heavily on human rights, diplomacy, and global peace efforts. Carter believed in the importance of global cooperation but was also deeply committed to ensuring that America’s actions were guided by ethical principles. This included taking a more humble and restrained approach to U.S. foreign policy compared to the more interventionist tendencies of past administrations.

However, Carter’s version of putting “America first” was far more aligned with promoting peace, diplomacy, and human rights across the globe rather than economic nationalism. He believed that the United States should lead by example, advocating for justice and equality in both domestic and international affairs.

3. Carter’s Influence on Trump:

While their approaches to policy differ greatly, Jimmy Carter did provide some advice to Donald Trump in terms of America’s role in the world. One of Carter’s key messages has been that the U.S. should remain engaged in the world, not in a way that imposes dominance or control, but through cooperation, mutual respect, and the protection of human rights.

Carter has expressed concerns over Trump’s more isolationist approach, particularly in regard to withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal. According to Carter, this kind of withdrawal could diminish America’s standing on the world stage and damage long-term global relationships.

In particular, Carter’s stance is built on the idea that America’s strength comes not just from military might or economic power, but from being a global leader in promoting values like democracy and human rights. He has argued that American exceptionalism should be defined by leading in ways that help the world, not by retreating into protectionism.

4. Will Trump Follow Carter’s Advice?

Whether or not Donald Trump will heed Jimmy Carter’s advice on how to “Put America First” is a question that largely depends on the specific lens through which one interprets the concept. While Carter advocates for America’s leadership in global affairs through diplomacy and humanitarian efforts, Trump’s approach to “America First” focuses on protecting national interests from foreign influences, particularly through economic policies like tariffs, trade renegotiations, and a strong military posture.

There are some ways in which Trump’s policies could be seen as echoing Carter’s belief in national strength. For instance, Trump’s economic nationalism aims to revive American manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports, which could be viewed as putting America’s economic interests first. However, his stance on issues like climate change, multilateralism, and human rights often diverges from the more cooperative approach that Carter championed.

Trump’s foreign policy approach has tended to be more transactional, focusing on getting direct benefits for the U.S., rather than fostering long-term relationships or shared global goals as Carter suggested. For instance, Trump’s “America First” vision led to withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, ending or renegotiating several international trade agreements, and reducing U.S. involvement in global institutions like the United Nations and NATO.

5. The Tension Between Nationalism and Globalism:

Carter’s approach to “America First” was deeply rooted in a more globalist perspective: the idea that the United States should be a beacon of peace and cooperation on the world stage. Trump’s approach, in contrast, centers more on nationalism, which often requires less emphasis on global cooperation in favor of prioritizing domestic concerns.

While there may be common ground in terms of national security and ensuring that American citizens have their interests protected, Carter’s perspective seems to suggest that the U.S. should lead through moral authority, diplomatic relationships, and multilateralism, whereas Trump has focused on economic self-interest and a more skeptical view of international agreements.

6. Conclusion:

The idea of putting “America First” is not new and has been interpreted in different ways throughout American history. Jimmy Carter’s version focused on leadership through global cooperation, diplomacy, and human rights. Donald Trump’s version, meanwhile, tends to emphasize economic protectionism, military dominance, and a retreat from multilateralism. While Trump’s policies have reflected elements of this stance, it remains to be seen if he will adopt a more nuanced approach similar to Carter’s—a vision of strength that encompasses moral leadership and global collaboration.

The future of U.S. foreign policy will depend on whether Trump chooses to remain aligned with his “America First” rhetoric or pivot toward a more cooperative, global role as suggested by figures like Carter. The intersection of these two perspectives will shape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.