Fifth Annual America First Experience & Gala
Nov 19 - Nov 21, 2025
The Fifth Annual America First Experience & Gala in Palm Beach was a three-day celebration of faith, patriotism, and policy leadership—bringing together the boldest voices and most committed leaders in the America First movement.
We opened with a powerful slate of eleven Policy Roundtable Sessions, where America First scholars and thought leaders tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing our country today—artificial intelligence, affordability, election integrity, and immigration, among others. These sessions set the tone for a week of strategy, unity, and inspiration.
At our Welcome Reception, attendees were treated to remarks from President and CEO Greg Sindelar, Miss Florida USA Lou Schieffelin, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, Ashley Hayek, and AFPI Board Member Trish Duggan, whose collective words reaffirmed our commitment to putting America First.
Thursday brought even more policy deep-dives, including major updates from the Center for Litigation, the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, and the latest efforts to institutionalize long-term wins for the movement.
Meanwhile, the Keith Kellogg America First Shooting Competition at the Palm Beach Shooting Sports Complex was a high-energy highlight—featuring Olympian Gabby Franco, Governor Phil Bryant, and a skilled field of marksmen and markswomen. Congratulations to James Brown, our 2025 champion!
Golfers gathered for the always-anticipated Lou Holtz Golf Classic, hosted by Mark Pentecost at the Trump International Golf Club. Coach Holtz shared his final public speech—an unforgettable moment of reflection, humor, and purpose. Congratulations to our tournament winners: Bob Bettinardi, Ryan Binkley, Tim Dyson, and David Kelly Jr.!
At Mar-a-Lago, our AFPI Ladies Leadership Tea & Luncheon celebrated the incredible contributions of women in the movement. Chair of the America First Women’s Initiative Stacey Schieffelin and U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer delivered moving remarks on leadership and legacy.
Capping off Thursday was a festive evening at Mar-a-Lago featuring a poolside BBQ, live concert, and an inspiring awards ceremony. Founders Brooke Rollins and Linda McMahon were joined by Administrator Lee Zeldin.
A deeply emotional moment followed as the family of Corey Comperatore joined us for the renaming of our Patriot Award in his honor. Corey’s heroism and legacy will live on through the Corey Comperatore Patriot Award, presented this year to Tad and Diane Taube, two remarkable patriots whose lives of service have inspired generations.
The night ended with an unforgettable concert on the Mar-a-Lago lawn, headlined by the legendary Lee Greenwood and the Frontmen.
On Friday morning, we gathered for the Biblical Foundations Prayer Breakfast hosted by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. Prayer remains central to our mission, and we were honored to be joined by Dr. Ben Carson, who delivered a stirring defense of faith in American public life.
A major highlight of the morning was the announcement of America First Academy—an initiative to formalize the development of the next generation of America First leaders. Many of our alumni are now serving in key government roles, and this program will grow that impact exponentially.
During the American Dream Luncheon, Benny Johnson introduced our newest initiative: Restoring the American Dream: Make Housing Great Again—a nationwide effort to revive homeownership and rebuild the middle class.
Larry Kudlow then joined Brooke Rollins and Linda McMahon to reflect on how far the movement—and AFPI—have come since 2021, and how far we’re about to go.
We also recognized Lea Bardon, former AFPI Development team member and now Director of Cabinet Affairs in the White House, with the Distinguished Alumna Award. Lea’s rise from the AFPI team to the President’s inner circle is a powerful example of how this movement develops real leaders for real change.
Finally, we gathered for the marquee event: the Fifth Annual America First Gala.
We heard from the legendary Glenn Beck, Florida’s newest Senator Ashley Moody, and Coach Bruce Pearl, who will be carrying forward Coach Holtz’s inspirational torch at AFPI.
A special guest this year was Scott Jennings, whose powerful message reminded us that the fight for our country must be waged boldly—even in the toughest media environments.
AFPI’s cabinet was well-represented at the Gala, with appearances from Brooke Rollins, Linda McMahon, Dr. Oz, Doug Collins, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Tulsi Gabbard, each sharing updates on the progress being made across President Trump’s administration.
We are filled with gratitude—for the work behind us, the journey ahead, and the unwavering support that makes it all possible.
From the entire AFPI family: thank you for standing with us. The America First movement is just getting started—and we can’t wait to see you again at our 2026 America First Policy Summit this spring.
