In the debut episode of America First Gen X, host Jackson Steele joins Neil Haley to explain why he believes the conservative movement in America has reached a critical turning point. The conversation explores the ideological roots of the America First movement, internal divisions within conservatism, and why Steele believes a new political direction may be necessary.Steele outlines his perspective that the original America First constitutional conservative movement—which historically opposed interventionist foreign policy—has been overtaken by a new political faction aligned with neoconservative priorities. The episode sets the stage for an ongoing podcast series aimed at challenging current political leadership and redefining what America First principles mean in today’s political environment.Episode OverviewJackson Steele introduces America First Gen X, a news and commentary platform designed to give voice to conservatives who believe the current political direction of the Republican movement no longer reflects traditional constitutional conservatism.According to Steele, the mission of the platform is to:
- Reclaim the original America First philosophy
- Challenge interventionist foreign policy
- Advocate for constitutional limits on federal power
- Encourage debate within the conservative movement
Rather than focusing primarily on political opponents, Steele argues the current battle is within the conservative movement itself, where he believes core principles have been compromised.The Origins of the America First MovementSteele traces the roots of the modern America First movement to the early 2000s, particularly during opposition to the Iraq War.He describes a political divide that emerged between two factions of the political right:1. The Old Right / America First Conservatives
- Focused on national sovereignty
- Skeptical of foreign military interventions
- Emphasized constitutional limitations on federal authority
- Often aligned with libertarian and traditionalist viewpoints
2. The Neoconservative Movement
- Advocated for interventionist foreign policy
- Supported regime-change wars abroad
- Prioritized global alliances and strategic dominance
Steele argues that conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and Syria reflected this divide and led to growing dissatisfaction among voters who believed foreign wars were not aligned with American national interests.Support for Trump and the Disappointment That FollowedSteele explains that many America First conservatives strongly supported Donald Trump because his campaign rhetoric aligned with their views on foreign policy and nationalism.Key campaign promises that appealed to these voters included:
- Ending foreign wars
- Avoiding new military interventions
- Challenging the Washington political establishment
- Prioritizing American economic interests
However, Steele argues that after the election, many supporters began to feel that those promises were not fully realized.According to Steele, signs of a shift began appearing about a year earlier when the administration did not immediately withdraw American involvement from global conflicts.Concerns About U.S. Foreign PolicyA major theme of the episode centers on foreign policy decisions that Steele believes contradict the original America First philosophy.He specifically highlights:
- Continued U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Intelligence and military support abroad
- Military actions involving Iran
- The influence of geopolitical alliances on U.S. decision-making
Steele argues that these policies resemble the interventionist strategies of previous administrations rather than the non-interventionist approach he expected.The Debate Over Political Influence and PowerAnother issue discussed in the episode is the role of political donors, corporate interests, and lobbying in shaping U.S. policy.Steele claims that large donors and powerful interest groups can heavily influence political decisions and party direction.He also raises concerns about:
- The influence of the military-industrial complex
- Corporate political funding
- Long-term career politicians in Congress
- Lobbying power in Washington
The discussion reflects a broader critique of what Steele describes as “crony capitalism” within American politics.The Epstein Files and Transparency ConcernsDuring the conversation, Steele briefly references controversies surrounding the investigation into financier Jeffrey Epstein.Steele suggests that unresolved questions surrounding the case and potential intelligence connections have raised concerns about transparency in government institutions.He argues that full disclosure of the case could expose broader networks of influence involving powerful individuals and organizations.The Case for a Split GovernmentSteele proposes a controversial strategy for upcoming elections: intentionally creating a split government during the midterms.His reasoning is that dividing control of Congress between parties could:
- Limit executive power
- Force greater political accountability
- Prevent sweeping policy decisions
Steele acknowledges that this strategy could result in short-term political gridlock but believes it could send a message to political leadership that voters expect accountability.Concerns About Expanding Executive PowerAnother key topic discussed is the balance of power between the three branches of government.Steele argues that over the past several decades:
- Presidents have gained more authority
- Congress has surrendered oversight responsibilities
- Federal agencies have expanded their influence
He warns that excessive executive power could undermine the constitutional system of checks and balances designed by America’s founders.The Future of the Conservative MovementLooking ahead to the 2028 election cycle, Steele predicts the conservative movement may need new leadership and a renewed debate about its direction.Key issues he believes must be addressed include:
- Foreign policy priorities
- National sovereignty
- Federal government authority
- Economic nationalism
- Political accountability
He also raises the possibility that a new political coalition or even a third-party movement could emerge if voters feel the current system no longer represents their interests.The Role of Media and Alternative PlatformsSteele and Haley emphasize that platforms like America First Gen X aim to provide space for open political discussion.The podcast will focus on:
- Long-form political analysis
- Interviews with political thinkers and commentators
- Debate about the future of conservatism
- Exploration of alternative policy approaches
The show will be distributed through multiple social platforms and simulcast through The Neil Haley Show network.Where to Follow America First Gen XListeners can follow the new movement and podcast on:
