Historian H.W. Brands' “America First: Roosevelt vs Lindbergh in the Shadow of War" barely references former President Donald Trump or the 2024 election. However, it could be one of the most insightful reads for this year's presidential campaign.

Brands has crafted a compelling narrative of how Roosevelt strategically opposed, both privately and publicly, the “America First” movement, a name later adopted by Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House in this year's election.

The book recounts how aviator Charles Lindbergh emerged as the charismatic leader of the “America First” movement, which gained traction following WWI, advocating for U.S. non-intervention overseas as Adolf Hitler gained power.

Brands masterfully showcases President Franklin Delano Roosevelt 's calculated approach to the movement during his initial years in office, despite recognizing its potential long-term threat to foreign policy.

“Their policy was essentially ‘America First,’ at a time when the US required global collaboration to combat the serious threat of aggressive fascism,” Brands notes.

The book also highlights how Roosevelt skillfully navigated around Lindbergh during his rise, aiming to avoid antagonizing the aviator's supporters as the U.S. edged closer to involvement in Europe. Brands reveals how Lindbergh's rhetoric propelled his ascent as the “America First” spokesperson but ultimately led to his downfall, culminating in a 1941 speech widely condemned for its antisemitism.

Brands demonstrates remarkable self-control in largely refraining from drawing comparisons between Roosevelt's struggle against isolationism and contemporary political dynamics, including some conservatives' opposition to increased military expenditures abroad. However, his clear and concise historical narrative serves as a valuable tool for comprehending the enduring influence of the movement spearheaded by Lindbergh.

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