The U.S. just had its worst year for international tourism since the pandemic and it wasnât even close. While the rest of the world broke records in 2025, America was the only country out of 184 to see a drop in foreign visitor spending. Four million fewer tourists came here and eight billion dollars gone. We were the only major destination in the world moving in the wrong direction.
This didnât happen by accident. Travel bans now cover nationals from nearly 40 countries. Germany issued a formal warning to its citizens that a U.S. visa doesnât guarantee theyâll actually be allowed in after several Germans were detained at the border. Canadians, our single largest source of international visitors, cut their trips by 20%. The administration added a fingerprint registration requirement for anyone staying more than 30 days. Visa wait times have ballooned. Nearly half of international travelers surveyed said Trumpâs policies made them less likely to visit.
Now Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin wants to pull customs officers from airports in cities that donât cooperate with immigration enforcement. No customs officers means no international flights. The airports on the list include JFK, LAX, OâHare, SFO, and Seattle. These arenât small regional hubs. They handle the overwhelming majority of international travel into this country.
Whether it happens or not, the message it sends to the world is the same one thatâs already cost us billions. The Trump administration keeps pushing a âyouâre not welcome hereâ message. Itâs not surprising Trump is ruining the tourism industry he ran multiple casinos into bankruptcy because heâs such a âgood businessman.â
jacobvanloon
germansingergirl
annaxmalina
tangentwithtanner
janainaart
