Former Trump Official Defends U.S.-Israel War with Iran as Aligned with “America First”

Nadia Schadlow, who served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy during the Trump administration, has articulated a justification for the current U.S.-Israel war with Iran, framing it as consistent with a core tenet of the “America First” agenda. Her arguments, recently highlighted in media appearances and opinion pieces, suggest a strategic alignment between prioritizing domestic interests and engaging in conflict in the Middle East.

Who is Nadia Schadlow?

Nadia Catherine Schadlow (born c. 1965) is an American academic and government official. She briefly held the position of Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy under President Donald Trump in 2018. Prior to this role, Schadlow served as the primary author of the 2017 National Security Strategy (NSS). Her background includes work at the Department of Defense focusing on the Soviet Union and Ukraine, as well as a period on the Defense Policy Board. She holds degrees from Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. Schadlow is as well a full member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has published articles in various prominent publications, including the Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic.

The “America First” Justification

Schadlow’s central argument, as reported by The New York Times and gb.news, posits that the war with Iran ultimately serves American interests. While seemingly counterintuitive, she suggests that a weakened Iran, and a more stable regional order enforced by the U.S. And its allies (particularly Israel), contributes to energy security and reduces threats to American allies. This aligns with the “America First” doctrine by prioritizing U.S. Economic and security concerns.

Globalism vs. Nation-States

Schadlow has also addressed the broader geopolitical context, discussing the tension between globalist frameworks and the resurgence of nation-states. She argues that the current conflict reflects a shift away from prioritizing international consensus and towards a more assertive defense of national interests. This perspective, she suggests, is crucial for understanding the Trump administration’s, and now the current administration’s, approach to Iran and the Middle East.

The Threat of a Nuclear Iran

A key component of Schadlow’s justification is the perceived threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. She views preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as paramount to regional stability and American security. The current conflict, in her view, is a necessary step to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and prevent its proliferation.