On the Redacted podcast, libertarian firebrand Dave Smith exposes how the President’s current push for war with Iran and funding of foreign conflicts proves the “America First” promise was a systemic lie.

The notion that America’s political landscape offers a genuine choice between two distinct parties is often seen as a distraction from the actual power dynamics at play. Comedian and political commentator Dave Smith, in a compelling episode of the Redacted podcast, suggests that the two dominant parties act as a single entity when dealing with issues like war, the Federal Reserve, and the CIA. This underlying unity in state aggression and financial control underscores a profound institutional betrayal that continues to trouble the nation.

During the Trump administration, despite its populist claims, it ultimately aligned with the “warfare machine,” prioritizing foreign aggression over its stated non-interventionist goals. This exposed the “America First” agenda as largely superficial, compelling the public to face the harsh truth that the political establishment is united under a globalist agenda.

The War of Aggression: The Saudi-Yemen Betrayal

A glaring example of this betrayal was the administration’s full support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen during its first term. Smith bluntly labeled this as a “war of aggression, a war of choice, on behalf of a foreign country,” against a nation that posed no threat to the U.S. This move starkly violated the core principles of America First populism, which denounces geopolitical adventurism and insists on protecting the innocent.

This support was anything but passive. Smith highlighted the administration’s active involvement, noting, “He backed the Saudi invasion of Yemen… a full blockade around the country enforced by the US Navy.” Such actions, prioritizing a foreign ally over American citizens, signify a clear departure from the moral standards that should prioritize the interests of the American people. This set a precedent for prioritizing foreign interests and the military-industrial complex over domestic welfare, paving the way for the current administration’s continued failures.

Institutional Failure: Escalating the Forever Wars

Despite the lessons of the past, the current administration seems intent on pursuing new foreign entanglements. This unwavering commitment to the “warfare machine” reveals its true influence in Washington. The President’s moves, including steps towards conflict with Iran and intervention in Venezuela, illustrate how even a seemingly independent leader is compelled to adhere to the globalist narrative. This persistent escalation highlights the institutional failure to fulfill the promise of peace.

Smith’s criticism of the “warfare machine” is particularly relevant to the current administration’s actions, which show that the President remains silent when a war of aggression is initiated “on behalf of a foreign country.” The inability to dismantle the “warfare machine” underscores that the struggle for “America First” transcends party lines, representing a fundamental battle against a political establishment that benefits from perpetual conflict.

The Ultimate Betrayal: Funding Mass Slaughter

But the most profound and morally indefensible betrayal is this: The current administration’s policy of funding Israel’s mass slaughter of Palestinians serves as the most egregious example of the “America Last” agenda. This policy directly contradicts the populist, non-interventionist spirit of the “America First” movement. Smith explicitly stated his anti-interventionist position: “I was against US support of Ukraine, and I’m against US support of Israel.” The President’s decision to fund this conflict proves that the “America First” promise is a systemic lie, prioritizing foreign military objectives over the moral and financial well-being of the American people.

In conclusion, the Trump administration’s failure to dismantle the “warfare machine” in his first term, and his decision to double down on the same policies in his current term—including war with Iran, intervention in Venezuela, and funding the conflict in Gaza—proves that the fight for “America First” is a principled battle against the entire political establishment.

The American people must not allow themselves to be manipulated by the “decent impulses” that are channeled into supporting state aggression. The only option is to be “very optimistic” and to continue to speak the truth, as the ability to break the propaganda and get ideas out is “unlike before.” The era of elite impunity must end now, and it begins with facing the facts laid bare by the administration’s own actions.

For a full, unedited breakdown of this institutional betrayal, watch Dave Smith’s complete interview on the Redacted podcast.