America First Policy Institute

The AFPI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)[4] think tank that was founded in 2021 to promote former U.S. President Donald Trump's public policy agenda. According to Politico, the group is often described as a "White House in waiting."[3] The group produced a document about its vision, which includes "job creation and low unemployment, expansion of affordable housing, eradicating Covid-19, reducing federal bureaucracy, cracking down on crime and illegal immigration, passing congressional term limits, and ending foreign war and reliance on China." As of 2023, AFPI had 172 employees, including eight former cabinet secretaries from the Trump administration. AFPI’s tax filings show the group reported $38 million in revenue from 2021-22. Linda McMahon, who chairs AFPI’s board, served as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under Trump. During the 2020 election cycle, she helmed a pro-Trump super PAC, America First Action, and poured $16 million into the group. According to its 2022 tax return, AFPI’s board has included Florida Scientologist Trish Duggan, who previously donated $9 million to America First Action and gave $5 million to another pro-Trump outside group this year. Goya Foods CEO Robert Unanue, a director on the AFPI board and 2020 election denier, donated $100,000 to the Trump Victory committee during the 2020 campaign. Florida businessman Mark Pentecost was a new addition to AFPI’s board in 2022.