In February, I wrote about America standing alone among major destinations across the world for having a drop in foreign visitors in 2025, with President Donald Trump appearing to have played a significant role in discouraging travelers from spending time in America.
Under the Trump administration’s direction, travel to America, I noted, was made less desirable through the imposition of burdens including new visa fees and more rigorous vetting of travelers, including involving searches of their electronic devices, upon arrival. Planned reviewing of travelers’ social media histories was also adding to the discomfort level of trips to America.
Here is an update. The trend continues. Travel to America in the first four months of this year has dropped yet more. And, it looks like Trump remains a significant factor in why many foreigners looking at the options of places around the world to visit are taking a pass on America. Eric Boehm provided details in his article “Why Foreign Tourism to the U.S. Is Declining Under Trump” in the August/September issue of Reason Magazine. Noted Boehm in his article:
International travel to the U.S. declined by 5.5 percent last year, according to TravelPulse, an industry newsletter. It was down another 4.3 percent in the first four months of 2026.
While some people will shrug their shoulders and view the declining visits to America as not a big deal, Boehm pointed out that the change carries with it economic detriment for Americans. For example, wrote Boehm, “[w]hen foreigners stop showing up, it means less work, smaller earnings, and fewer tips” for Americans working in the hospitality industry.
