Veterans for America First: An Endorsement That Carries Weight
In Republican politics, endorsements can help candidates establish credibility, build grassroots support and introduce their campaigns to voters across the country. Veterans for America First (VFAF), also known historically as Veterans for Trump, has spent more than a decade building a national grassroots movement centered on veterans, first responders, national security, border security and America First policies.
For candidates competing for the support of America First Republican voters, a Veterans for America First endorsement represents support from an organization whose political roots extend back to Donald J. Trump’s first presidential campaign.
From Veterans for Trump to Veterans for America First
The history of Veterans for America First begins in 2015 with the grassroots Veterans for Trump movement supporting Donald J. Trump’s campaign for the 45th President of the United States.
Retired Rear Admiral Charles “Chuck” Kubic became one of the movement’s prominent early leaders. A former commander in the U.S. Navy Seabees, Kubic brought decades of military leadership and national-security experience to the organization. During the 2016 campaign, he also served as a Trump campaign national-security and foreign-policy adviser.
General Michael Flynn has discussed meeting Admiral Kubic and the development of the veterans movement during that historic 2016 campaign. That story is now part of VFAF’s documented history and illustrates how a grassroots coalition of veterans developed alongside the larger America First political movement.
Following the Trump presidency, the organization evolved into Veterans for America First while continuing to use the Veterans for Trump identity associated with its origins.
Today, VFAF describes its mission as promoting strong national defense, protecting the interests of veterans and first responders, securing America's borders and supporting candidates who share America First values.
A National Grassroots Political Organization
VFAF has expanded its political activity well beyond a single presidential campaign.
The organization has endorsed candidates for Congress, statewide offices, state legislatures and other elected positions across the United States. Its activities include candidate endorsement interviews, grassroots organizing, media appearances, state-level political operations and advocacy involving veterans, first responders, border security and national defense.
VFAF also remained active during Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Organization representatives participated in Trump campaign coalition activities, and VFAF's endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election was shared by Trump on his Truth Social platform.
The organization continues issuing endorsements in the 2026 election cycle, including endorsements of veterans seeking congressional and state offices.
Why Veteran Support Matters in American Elections
America's veteran community represents a substantial national constituency.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, its Veteran Population by State: FY2026 dataset uses the VetPop2023 projection model and was updated March 31, 2026.
Across the 50 states, the projections represent approximately 17.1 million veterans.
Several politically significant states have particularly large veteran populations, including Texas, Florida, California, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Veterans also bring something to political organizations that cannot be measured solely by population.
Military veterans and law-enforcement professionals frequently have extensive leadership experience and strong connections within their communities. When they become politically engaged, they can serve as organizers, volunteers, campaign surrogates and advocates who encourage others to participate in the electoral process.
That grassroots network is an important component of the Veterans for America First model.
More Than a Name on an Endorsement List
A meaningful political endorsement is not simply a logo placed on a campaign website.
Veterans for America First works to connect endorsed candidates with a national America First network while using interviews, digital media, grassroots activists and veteran leadership to bring attention to campaigns that align with the organization's mission.
That history gives the VFAF endorsement significance within the America First movement.
Next to an endorsement from President Donald J. Trump himself, Veterans for America First believes its endorsement is among the most meaningful endorsements an America First Republican candidate can receive.
For candidates, it represents the support of a veterans organization whose roots reach back to the beginning of the Trump political movement.
For voters, it provides another way to identify candidates whom veteran and America First leaders believe will advance strong national defense, secure borders, public safety and policies that put American citizens first.
Get Involved With Veterans for America First
Veterans for America First continues to organize veterans, first responders and America First supporters nationwide.
Those interested in following VFAF endorsements, candidate interviews, organizational news and political activity can visit VFAF.US and subscribe to the Veterans for America First newsletter on Substack.
WATCH: General Michael Flynn discusses meeting Admiral Charles Kubic and the growth of the Veterans for Trump and Veterans for America First movement.
Veterans for America First | VFAF.US
