Episode Overview

Episode: Ep. 1692 – "America Only" Should Not Be Controversial, So Why Is It?
Host: Matt Walsh (The Daily Wire)
Date: November 17, 2025

In this episode, Matt Walsh delivers a passionate defense of the “America Only” philosophy, pushing back against critics from both the left and right who have labeled this stance controversial—even among conservatives. He systematically addresses reactions to his recent viral statements, confronts accusations of un-Christian nationalism, critiques conservative infighting, and explores the media’s hypocrisy. Throughout, Walsh insists that prioritizing American interests is common sense, not extremism.

Main Discussion and Key Insights

The “America Only” Philosophy (07:35–19:10)

Key Points:

• Viral Outrage: Walsh recounts how his call for “America Only” went viral, drawing sharp backlash, especially from other conservatives.
• Clarifying "America Only": The philosophy isn’t about isolationism but about exclusive prioritization of American interests by elected leaders.
• Historic Parallels: Quotes George Washington and other Founders, noting, “[Their position was] have with [foreign countries] as little political connection as possible.” (09:18)
• Family Analogy: Leaders’ duties to the nation should reflect a parent's prioritization of family over strangers.
  Quote: “I am America only in the same sort of sense that I am my family only ... I will never put any other family above my own.” (10:10)
• Nationalism Is Normal: Argues this was always mainstream until very recently.
  Quote: “No American, no one who truly cared about conserving and protecting this country disagreed with this. It's just ... obvious.” (12:45)

Addressing Conservative and Christian Criticisms (19:10–29:50)

Misrepresentation from the Right (19:10–22:40)

• Strawman Arguments: Responses claim Walsh denies the existence of other countries or alliances, which he refutes.
• Pragmatic Engagement: It’s not about ignoring the world but only engaging when it directly benefits America.
  • Example: Military intervention is justified if Cuba threatens the US, but not for unrelated Cuban humanitarian crises.

On Alliances and Global Relations (22:40–25:12)

• America Benefits Others More: U.S. allies need America more than vice versa.
  • “There is no exception to this rule. They all do. You cannot name a single ally of the United States where they benefit us more than we benefit them.” (23:40)
• Global Supply Chains: Argues that critics actually reinforce his point—America depends too much on foreign goods like antibiotics and should reclaim production where possible.

The Founding and France (25:12–26:40)

• American Revolution Analogy: Taking French help in 1781 was in American interests.
  • “If I had been alive in 1781, I would have accepted the assistance of the French military ... because aligning with France was obviously in our national interests at the time.” (26:08)

Accusations of Anti-Christian Nationalism (26:40–33:10)

• Critics’ Argument: Some claim “America Only” is anti-gospel.
• Walsh’s Response:
  • “The gospel commands that Americans advance the interests of foreign countries. That's what the gospel says somewhere. ... But as you might have guessed, none of these commentators can point to a citation ... because there isn't one.” (28:55)
  • “Loving someone doesn't mean just letting them commit crimes, okay? It doesn't mean giving them a get out of jail free card, and it doesn't mean exposing innocent American citizens to violent ... attacks by illegal aliens.” (30:40)
• On Catholic Bishops: Criticizes U.S. bishops for condemning immigration enforcement but not leftist positions opposed to Church teaching.
  • “I don't recall the bishops making any sort of video like this to condemn the Biden White House for, for example, supporting ... the mass slaughter of children in the womb.” (34:44)
• Maintaining Sovereignty: Walsh insists the Church is not obligated to undermine American sovereignty and rebukes church leaders for “emotional blackmail” over immigration.

Reasserting The Core Point (36:41)

• “America only should not be a controversial idea in this country, least of all among right wingers. ... There is no other priority.” (36:41)
• If helping foreign nations ever genuinely helps Americans, it fits under “America Only.”

Conservative Infighting and Media Hypocrisy (39:30–55:35)

Infighting on the Right (39:30–43:50)

• Call for Unity: Walsh addresses continued division on the right and his advocacy that “no enemies to the right” should not apply to politicians.
  • "Loyalty to politicians is not a thing ... Loyalty should go the other way. They need to be loyal to us." (43:08)

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s CNN Apology (45:55–54:40)

• [Clip Played]
• Marjorie Taylor Greene apologizes on CNN for “toxic rhetoric.”
• Walsh’s reaction:
  • “She apologizes on CNN, groveling before this snide, gross news anchor who sits there smirking. ... This is not leading by example, okay? This is not.” (48:22)
  • “To debase yourself and the movement you're supposed to represent in that form is just inexcusable.” (53:54)
• Point: Apologizing on hostile media validates their narrative; Walsh considers it “the unforgivable sin” politically.
  • “You're setting an example, but it's horrendous because the example is allowing yourself to be used as a stooge.” (51:13)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the shift in conservative values:
  “For one reason or another, they want to undermine our sovereignty. So I'll say it again. America Only.” (36:41)

• On Church and borders:
  “There is no conception of Christian love that involves opening the borders and suspending immigration law. ... This is open borders. Communist globalism is what it is. This is not Christianity.” (31:46)

• On apologizing to leftist media:
  “Going on CNN and apologizing ... I can try to overlook a lot of things, but groveling public apologies ... that's unforgivable.” (55:07)

Additional Segments

Protester Aerobics (38:58–39:30)

• Humorous commentary on a bizarre aerobic protest outside a Portland ICE facility.
  • “How many showers total do you think this group has taken over the past month? ... over/under at like 9. 9 or 10.” (39:17)

Daily Cancellation: "Man Keeping" (59:10)

• Riffs on the feminist concept of “man keeping” and double standards in emotional labor in relationships.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Walsh addresses “America Only” outrage: 07:35
• Defends prioritizing American interests: 10:10
• Responds to criticisms (alliances, global supply chain): 19:10–25:12
• Refutes anti-Christian claims: 26:40–33:10
• Rant on Catholic bishops and immigration: 33:10–36:40
• Restates “America Only” as common sense: 36:41
• Infighting and politician accountability: 39:30–43:50
• Marjorie Taylor Greene CNN apology segment: 45:55–54:40
• Aerobics protest commentary (comic relief): 38:58–39:30
• Daily Cancellation on “man keeping”: 59:10

Conclusion

Matt Walsh’s episode is a full-throated defense of uncompromising American nationalism, railing against what he sees as distraction, hypocrisy, and the erosion of basic conservative principles. He argues that “America Only” is not extremist, but common sense rooted in tradition, and criticizes conservatives and Christian leaders for succumbing to globalist and leftist framing. The episode is pointed, combative, and unapologetically in Walsh’s trademark style.

For listeners seeking a direct summary:

• Walsh demands that American leaders serve Americans only, not out of hatred for others, but from a belief in national priority.
• He rebuts both policy and moral-ethical attacks on this view.
• He expresses exasperation at conservative infighting, especially when it validates leftist media narratives.
• The show’s tone is defiant, sometimes mocking, and always confrontational, serving as a call to refocus on core conservative values of sovereignty and accountability.