America First: The Surprising Historical Parallels Between Lindbergh and Trump

A new historical analysis draws direct lines between two of America’s most famous figures. The isolationist ideology of Charles Lindbergh is seeing a stark revival. This revival is happening under the banner of a modern political movement. The parallels are both striking and deeply troubling to historians.

The comparison centers on the “America First” slogan. Lindbergh championed it in the 1940s. Today, it defines a dominant political agenda. The shared themes include distrust of allies, targeted rhetoric against minorities, and a leadership style built on celebrity grievance.

From Lone Pilot to Political Pariah

Charles Lindbergh was the world’s most famous man after his 1927 transatlantic flight. His life later became marred by personal tragedy and political controversy. The kidnapping and murder of his son led to a vicious media circus. He grew to despise the press intensely.

He eventually fled to Europe. There, he was deeply impressed by Nazi Germany’s air force. Lindbergh received a medal from Hermann Goering. He returned to the U.S. as a leading voice for the America First Committee. His 1941 speech in Des Moines was a turning point. He blamed the British, the Roosevelt administration, and Jewish groups for pushing the country toward war.

The Ideology’s Modern Rebirth

The core tenets of Lindbergh’s worldview have found new life. Modern proponents echo his skepticism of international alliances. They share his tendency to blame domestic “others” for national problems. The rhetorical playbook feels eerily familiar decades later.

According to historical assessments, the impact is a more divided and anxious nation. The philosophy promotes a fortress mentality. It questions long-standing democratic partnerships. The result is a foreign policy centered on unilateral action and a domestic climate of suspicion.

The legacy of “America First” is a cycle of isolation and internal division. Its resurgence shows how historical narratives can be repurposed for contemporary politics. The Lindbergh-Trump parallel serves as a potent reminder that ideologies rarely disappear; they simply wait for a new champion.

Thought you’d like to know

Where is Charles Lindbergh buried?

Charles Lindbergh is buried in a remote cemetery in Hana, on the island of Maui, Hawaii. His simple gravesite overlooks the Pacific Ocean, far from the American mainland.

What was Lindbergh’s America First stance?

Lindbergh was a key spokesman for the America First Committee, which opposed U.S. entry into World War II. He argued for isolationism, expressed admiration for German efficiency, and made speeches blaming certain groups for leading America to war.

How are Lindbergh and Trump similar?

Analysts note similarities in their use of the “America First” slogan, antagonism toward the media, criticism of traditional allies, and rhetoric that singles out specific ethnic or religious groups within the country as problematic.

Did Lindbergh regret his pre-war views?

While horrified after seeing a concentration camp, Lindbergh never fully recanted his America First position. He often equated Allied actions with Axis crimes, refusing to acknowledge a moral difference in the war’s central conflict.