For years, the left has falsely painted President Trump’s America First agenda as isolationist, as if putting the interests of the American people first somehow means retreating from the global stage. But in an exclusive interview with Breitbart News Saturday, Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the Department of State, dismantled this tired narrative once and for all, boldly declaring, “America first does not mean America alone.”
Pigott made clear that the Trump administration’s approach is not about isolation but about strength, honesty, and clarity in American foreign policy. “Having a strong America means that, first, it benefits our interests, but it benefits our friends and allies,” Pigott explained. This assertion perfectly aligns with President Trump’s philosophy: only a strong, prosperous, and secure America can effectively lead on the world stage and forge meaningful partnerships.
Critics of America First have long tried to equate patriotism with isolationism. But Pigott emphasized that Trump’s policy is precisely the opposite—it is about sharpening our nation’s focus, defining our priorities clearly, and then working diligently with allies who share those interests. “America first also lets us identify those common interests much more clearly,” Pigott stated. “It lets us be very clear-eyed about saying we want to pursue this because we have an interest in XYZ issue, and let’s find ways that we can collaborate on that.” In other words, Trump’s America First doctrine is pragmatic—not ideological—and perfectly suited to navigating the complex realities of the modern world.
Pigott also highlighted one of President Trump’s greatest strengths as commander-in-chief: his unmatched skill as a negotiator and his fearless ability to speak truths plainly. “Combining that with a president who’s the best deal maker we ever had as president, and then also the fact that he is so honest,” said Pigott, underscoring Trump’s willingness to engage directly with world leaders, allies, and adversaries alike. Trump’s blunt honesty has proven effective, achieving results through straightforward conversations rather than the diplomatic doublespeak favored by previous administrations.
Indeed, Trump’s approach to foreign policy doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. Pigott pointed out that the President is “not afraid to meet with people in the pursuit of peace, and he’s also not afraid to call out people that need to be called out.” Unlike past administrations that hid uncomfortable truths behind layers of bureaucratic language, Trump confronts issues directly, transparently, and openly—both for the American people to see and for the world to understand.
This strategy resonates deeply with Americans who demand accountability and results from their leaders. Voters elected Trump precisely because they were tired of politicians who valued globalism over American interests, who put endless foreign obligations ahead of American workers and families. Trump pledged to change that—and he has delivered. His America First doctrine has revived American manufacturing, secured our borders, reformed education, and ended costly foreign entanglements that drained our resources without advancing our national interests.
Pigott summarized it best when he said, “When America is stronger, the world is safer. And the way that you make America stronger is to put America first.” History proves this true—during times of American strength and clarity of purpose, global stability follows. Under President Trump’s bold leadership, we are once again experiencing that truth.
The America First vision is not one of retreat or withdrawal; it is a policy of strategic engagement and principled leadership. It restores our nation’s sovereignty, prioritizes the well-being of our citizens, and allows us to stand confidently on the world stage, unapologetically advocating for our values and interests. Tommy Pigott’s powerful clarification couldn’t be clearer: America First is not America alone. It is America leading—boldly, clearly, and effectively—for the good of our citizens, our allies, and the broader cause of global security.
