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 a genuine political choice exists between the two major parties is, according to comedian and political commentator Dave Smith, a carefully crafted illusion. During an insightful discussion on the Redacted podcast, Smith contended that when it comes to issues like war, the Federal Reserve, and the CIA, both parties essentially operate as a single entity. This alignment on state aggression and financial oversight highlights a deep-rooted institutional betrayal that continues to affect the nation.

Despite its populist overtones, the Trump administration ultimately aligned itself with the so-called “warfare machine,” prioritizing foreign entanglements over the non-interventionist stance it had initially promised. This reality exposed the “America First” agenda as largely superficial, compelling the public to face the stark truth that the political establishment remains united in its globalist pursuits.

The War of Aggression: The Saudi-Yemen Betrayal

One of the most egregious breaches of non-interventionist ideals during Trump’s first term was the administration’s full support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Smith pointedly criticized this decision, describing it as “a war of aggression, a war of choice, on behalf of a foreign country, totally unnecessary against a country that poses no threat to the United States of America.” Such actions starkly violate the fundamental principles of America First populism, which advocates against geopolitical adventurism and emphasizes the protection of the innocent.

This support was far from passive. Smith elaborated on the administration’s direct involvement, highlighting actions such as backing the Saudi invasion of Yemen and enforcing a comprehensive blockade with the U.S. Navy. This commitment to a full-scale conflict against Yemen underscores a disregard for moral priorities that should place American interests first. These first-term actions set a precedent of prioritizing foreign interests and the military-industrial complex, paving the way for similar failures under the current administration.

Institutional Failure: Escalating the Forever Wars

Despite the lessons that could have been learned from the past, the present administration seems intent on pursuing new foreign entanglements. This ongoing pursuit reinforces the notion that the “warfare machine” holds true power in Washington. The President’s initiatives, including moves toward potential conflict with Iran and intervention in Venezuela, illustrate how even a distinctive political figure can be coerced into adhering to a globalist agenda. This pattern of escalation highlights an institutional failure to uphold the promise of peace.

Smith’s critique of the “warfare machine” applies directly to the current administration’s actions, which demonstrate that the President will “not say anything” when a war of aggression is launched “on behalf of a foreign country.” The failure to dismantle the “warfare machine” proves that the fight for “America First” is not a partisan one, but a principled battle against the entire political establishment that profits from endless 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.