As the U.S. funnels billions of dollars into conflicts abroad, including Ukraine, Americans at home are left struggling. Communities in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina still face homelessness months after devastating floods, with little aid coming their way. Meanwhile, reports warn that America’s own military stockpiles have been dangerously depleted, leaving the nation less prepared to defend itself.
The Biden administration has prioritized funding and arming foreign nations, spending tens of billions on the war in Ukraine alone. Critics argue this focus on international conflicts has come at a steep cost to Americans. Those displaced by flooding in Appalachia, for example, remain in dire need of resources that are instead being sent overseas.
The nation’s military readiness is also under scrutiny. Reports indicate that the U.S. has only one to three weeks of munitions available for a major conflict, a dangerously low level for a global superpower. Worse, the ability to replenish stockpiles has dwindled, putting the country at greater risk in the event of a large-scale war.
For decades, U.S. leaders have engaged in foreign wars and nation-building, while critical needs at home have been ignored. Infrastructure in many regions remains outdated, natural disaster responses are often inadequate, and economic challenges persist. Critics argue that by focusing on wars abroad, the U.S. has walked itself into a precarious position.
Advocates for a renewed America-first approach say the solution is to shift focus back to domestic priorities. Addressing economic challenges, restoring military readiness, and helping Americans affected by natural disasters should take precedence over international interventions.
As communities in Appalachia and beyond wait for help, the call to rethink America’s foreign policy grows louder. It’s time, critics argue, for leaders to put the needs of their own citizens first and ensure the nation is prepared for its own challenges rather than those of other countries.
