International
Paris Unease: American Tourists Feel the Heat of Trump-Era Politics Abroad
As Rick and Barbara Wilson wandered through the scenic Tuileries Gardens in Paris, their excitement about their first trip to France was clouded by a sense of discomfort. Rick had discreetly placed black tape over the American flag on his baseball cap before leaving their hotel, hoping to avoid unwanted attention in a city where tensions with the U.S. seemed to be rising.
The couple, visiting from Oregon, said they felt ashamed of their national identity following President Trump’s controversial trade tariff decisions. Barbara even carried a Canadian lapel pin, just in case they needed a quick cover.
Other Americans in Paris were taking similar precautions. Chris Epps, a lawyer from New York, left his Yankees cap behind for the day, concerned that it might invite judgment.
While there’s no clear indication that Americans are facing hostility in France, some tourists have become self-conscious amid growing European frustration with U.S. foreign policy. The recent backlash follows erratic U.S. decisions on trade, as well as polarizing remarks and policies that have rippled across the Atlantic.
France remains a top destination for North American travelers, but signs of strain in the historic alliance with the U.S. are becoming more visible. Sales of U.S. travel guides in France have dropped 25% this year, according to Philippe Gloaguen, founder of Le Guide du Routard, who noted a rising preference for Canada and other destinations.
French analysts have observed a deeper shift. A forecast from Oxford Economics predicts nearly a 9% decrease in French travel to the U.S. this year. Meanwhile, a striking 78% of French expatriates in the U.S. report pessimism about their future there.
At the heart of the divide is not just Trump’s “America First” stance, but broader concerns over sovereignty, diplomacy, and values. French institutions have begun supporting American researchers impacted by U.S. funding cuts, and some academic centers have issued travel warnings, urging caution for students heading to the U.S.
Yet not all views are critical. Nicolas Conquer, a Trump supporter and dual citizen, sees media exaggeration at play. He insists that both countries benefit from patriotic leadership and that the long-standing alliance still holds firm.
Still, former French President François Hollande recently declared that while the American people remain friends, the current U.S. leadership no longer represents an ally. For many in Paris, admiration for U.S. culture persists, but political solidarity is wearing thin.
As tourists navigate this changed climate, they find themselves balancing their love for travel with the uneasy weight of geopolitics—one hat, or pin, at a time.
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
