America First Policies was founded by several people, including Nick Ayers, a Republican consultant who is regarded as Mike Pence's top political adviser;[6] Rick Gates; and Brad Parscale.

According to investigative journalist Vicky Ward, Mercer wanted America First Policies' data engine to be Cambridge Analytica, which would have effectively given her organizational control and potentially influence over the Republican Party.

[11][12] In June 2017, Republican Senator Dean Heller was targeted by the America First Policy Institute with an advertising campaign over his opposition to the Obamacare repeal bill.

[18][19] After MapLight's report was published, CVS Health and Dow Chemical announced that they would not contribute more money to America First Policies, citing racist comments by the organization's staff.

He resigned from his position in June 2018 after CVS Health and Dow Chemical announced they would no longer contribute to the group in part due to Higbie's past comments.