Policy Priorities
Protecting Life and promoting the HOPE Agenda
Defending Religious Liberty
Restoring Parental Rights
The core of American government is, as the Declaration of Independence states, “to secure these rights” — namely, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today, a dizzying array of ideas and influences counter to foundational Judeo-Christian Values threaten our inalienable rights, our democratic republic system of government, and our freedoms as Americans. The America First Policy Institute’s American Values will advance values-based messaging, develop policy ideas, craft legislation, and foster key relationships in order to protect life and promote the HOPE Agenda, defend religious liberty for all, and restore parental rights.
American Values is home to two impactful initiatives: the America First HOPE Agenda and Biblical Foundations. The HOPE Agenda is a state-focused 20-point policy agenda based on promoting the Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Empowerment of women, children, and families. This initiative emboldens state leaders and policymakers with policy recommendations so they may create life-affirming cultures within their respective states. Biblical Foundations encourages “faith in action” as faith leaders and congregations around the nation are engaged in a sermon series and events focusing on 10 foundational pillars of biblical truth in America. This initiative empowers the faith community to rise up and lead fearlessly as light in the darkness.
Team
Dr. Richard Rogers
Vice Chair, American Values Policy
Jennifer Bauwens, Ph.D.
Director, American Values
Margo Nicholas, Ph.D.
Project Manager, Biblical Foundations
Rebecca Yardley
Executive Director, America First Georgia and Advisor for Strategic Communications Operations
Drake Franklin
Southeastern Development Director & Policy Analyst, American Values
Latest
Expert Insights
|
August 6, 2026
The Great American Recovery: The 2026 National Drug Control Strategy’s Historic Reignition of Faith in Our Communities
Over 1.2 million Americans have died from drug overdoses since 1999, a loss felt in nearly every family and community across the nation. As part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to end this devastation unleashed by illicit drugs, this May, Drug Czar Sara Carter published the National Drug Control Strategy for 2026. This Strategy outlines a whole-of-government approach to confronting addiction and the ongoing drug crisis. It is built on two equally important fronts: a campaign to disrupt the illicit drug supply, paired with a comprehensive public health effort to reduce demand and consumption.
Op-Ed
|
July 19, 2026
She Didn’t ‘Give Up’ Her Child. She Made a Plan for Their Life.
Op-Ed
|
June 29, 2026
Obama’s Legacy: Feuding With The Founding Fathers
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, former President Barack Obama has once again invited Americans to dwell on the shortcomings of their inheritance rather than its greatness.
Statement
|
June 18, 2026
AFPI Applauds FTC Lawsuit Against WPATH Harming American Children
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statement in response to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with the states of Alaska, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, filing suit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) for allegedly promoting false and unsubstantiated claims to sell experimental medical transitions on American children.
Fact Sheet
|
June 16, 2026
Foster Care in America: The Case for Fostering the Future Accounts
On June 11, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launched Fostering the Future Accounts, the first dedicated savings and investment vehicle for children in foster care.
Topics
- Criminal Justice & Public Safety
- The Courts
- Work & Jobs
- American Dream
- Post Secondary Education
- K-12 Education Freedom
- Public School Transparency
- Government De-Regulation
- Healthcare Reform
- Public Health
- Transgenderism
- Border & Immigration
- Asia
- Marriage, Family, & Children
- Faith & Religious Liberty
- Sanctity of Life
- Parental Rights
- Protect Women’s Sports
51
issues
Videos
Selected...
Ending Human Trafficking: A National Call to Courage and Action
Selected...
Honoring the Courage of Israeli Hostages and Advocating for Their Return
Selected...
Framing Religious Freedom Globally
Selected...
Biblical Foundations Launch: Applying Biblical Principles to Public Policy
Selected...
STATEMENT: Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade
Selected...