What does "America First" refer to in recent political discourse?

"America First" refers to a political approach that emphasizes prioritizing American interests, particularly in the realms of economics, foreign policy, and national security, over a collaborative or multilateral global perspective. This concept gained significant prominence during recent political campaigns, most notably with the 2016 presidential election, where it was used to advocate for policies that would protect American jobs, industries, and borders.

The focus of "America First" is on ensuring that U.S. priorities take precedence, often leading to rhetoric that supports withdrawing from international agreements or organizations if they are perceived to compromise American sovereignty or economic interests. This approach encourages looking inward at domestic issues and can lead to a re-evaluation of trade relationships and military alliances based on what benefits the United States most significantly.

In contrast, the other options present concepts that are either more global in nature—such as promoting international trade or expanding military engagements—or address social issues like universal healthcare, which do not align with the core tenet of prioritizing U.S. interests in a narrative framed around nationalism and economic self-sufficiency.