President Trump on Monday launched a political nonprofit organization to gin up grassroots support for his agenda and to pressure wavering lawmakers in Congress.
“Amerca First Policies” is similar to “Organizing for America,” the outside political group run by former President Barack Obama while he was in office. In announcing the group, the focus was put on issue advocacy and voter empowerment. But the organization also is expected to advertise against Democrats on Capitol Hill — and even Republicans — who oppose Trump’s agenda.
“President Trump campaigned on a bold but basic concept: America First. This is a concept the American people both understand and support, but few in the media recognize and many politicians beholden to special interests will oppose,” senior leaders of America First Policies said in a joint press release.
“We will provide the counter balance. And while our funding will be significant – the most powerful thing this organization can do is harness the power and energy from everyday ordinary Americans, and give them a voice in this process. If their voices are heard, ‘America First’ policies championed by The White House will prevail.”
Operatives behind America First Policies include Nick Ayers and Marty Obst, former aides to Vice President Mike Pence and Brad Parscale, who served as the Trump campaign’s digital director. David Bossie, formerly Trump’s deputy campaign manager; and Katrina Pierson, the president’s campaign spokesman, also signed on with the group.
America First Policies said it will not accept any donations from lobbyists registered with the federal government.
