Before Trump's Presidency: The Bold $100k Ad That Sparked an 'America First' Revolution

In a revealing glimpse into the origins of his 'America First' philosophy, Donald Trump, long before his presidential ambitions crystallized, made a significant splash in 1987. He took out audacious full-page advertisements in the nation's most prestigious newspapers—The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe—at a cost nearing an astounding $100,000.

In today's economy, that investment would be equivalent to approximately $260,000, a testament to the urgency and conviction behind his message.

The headline of these provocative ads left no room for ambiguity: 'Why America Should Stop Paying to Defend Countries That Can Afford to Defend Themselves.' This bold declaration served as a precursor to the themes that would dominate his political rallies and policy debates decades later.

Trump's core argument was simple yet revolutionary for its time: America was being exploited by its allies, who were, in his view, 'laughing all the way to the bank' at the expense of U.S. generosity and military protection.

His ire was particularly directed at economic powerhouses like Japan.

Trump argued that while Japan enjoyed a massive trade surplus with the United States, it simultaneously benefited from American military protection without contributing its fair share. He painted a picture of a nation thriving economically due to perceived unequal trade deals, all while America bore the burden of its defense.

Similarly, Saudi Arabia came under fire for its vast oil wealth, yet, in Trump's assessment, it received U.S. protection without adequately compensating for the security services rendered.

These 1987 advertisements weren't just a fleeting moment of public opinion; they were a foundational statement of principle that would define Donald Trump's approach to global relations for the next 30-plus years.

The sentiment expressed – that America needed to prioritize its own interests, demand fairer contributions from its allies, and cease being the world's 'sucker' – became the bedrock of his 'America First' mantra during his successful 2016 presidential campaign and throughout his time in the White House.

Even after leaving office, Trump has consistently reiterated these views, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the idea that America's allies must shoulder a greater financial responsibility for their own defense.

The nearly $100,000 spent on those full-page ads in 1987 wasn't just an expense; it was an investment in a political ideology that resonated deeply with a segment of the American populace, shaping the discourse on international trade, defense alliances, and national sovereignty for decades to come.