President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, “America First” describes his policy of placing America’s national interests ahead of the those of the international community.  The article called “What Syria Teaches Us About ‘America First’?” by Jonathan S. Tobin addresses the phrase “America First” to emphasize the importance of isolationism to focus on the nation. In another article published called ‘What Does ‘America First’ Mean for Syria?” Tobin acknowledges the removal of U.S. troops from the country as a goal for the president.

However, it has received some backlash by generating disagreements within the federal government and his cabinet. “Contradicting Trump, National Security Adviser John Bolton Says No Withdrawal Until ISIS Beaten, Kurds Safe” by Karoun Demirjian argues that Trump’s National Security Advisor John Bolton believes this course of action would ignite chaos in the Middle East. The chaos would mostly stimulate from tensions between Turkey and the Kurds in Syria. In addition, Bolton recognized the national interest was maintaining relations abroad and conflict prevention.

“I wasn’t exactly surprised one of his many slogans during his campaign was ‘America First,’ which indicated that he would probably be much less willing to see through global conflicts that did not directly involve U.S. interests,” said junior Ramya Krishna.

Sophomore Echo McLachlan believes that is an irresponsible and unsympathetic decision, leaving the U.S.’s Kurdish allies vulnerable.

“The United States has helped create this conflict-filled environment,” McLachlan said. “Trump’s foreign policy promotes this hierarchical idea that America is the greatest, which is especially distasteful in a globalized society. He doesn’t take into consideration how other people are affected by his actions.”

Others in the Guilford College community expressed concern that the U.S. decision would allow Russia to gain control of the region.

“Backing out to protect U.S. shows we’re not strong,” said junior Sydney Singleton.