President Trump’s return to the White House has once again sparked discussions about how Americans are perceived while traveling abroad.
Recently, USA Today published an article titled “I didn’t vote for him”: How American tourists navigate global perceptions. The piece highlighted a couple who canceled their trip due to fears of being mistaken for Trump supporters. Additionally, the Boston Globe featured a column expressing that “Trump’s actions make me embarrassed to be an American.”
Recent surveys indicate that around 72% of seasoned U.S. travelers are concerned about feeling unwelcome in other countries.
This anxiety seems to stem from the perception that Trump’s behavior has tainted the reputation of all U.S. passport holders. However, it often reflects more about the perspectives of those expressing concerns than the reality of how Americans are typically received abroad—usually by more liberal and elite groups.
The media plays a significant role in shaping these fears. It’s no wonder many Americans fear unwelcoming reactions when they are repeatedly fed narratives suggesting they should.
Since Trump’s election, I have traveled extensively through places like Greenland, Vietnam, the UK, Panama, and Mexico without encountering any hostility. My experiences have shown that the notion of Americans facing widespread rejection overseas is vastly exaggerated.
It’s true that many people are aware of Trump’s presidency, given his prominence in global news. They often have their own opinions, of course. However, the idea that average Americans are consistently judged or shunned abroad because of Trump seems more like a narrative we’ve created around our political interests. In reality, Americans are generally welcomed when traveling, and any negativity often stems from factors unrelated to politics, like cultural misunderstandings or the economic pressures that tourist influx can bring to local communities.
Certainly, some individuals may hold negative views of Trump and, by extension, Americans. Yet for most, their concerns center around their own political landscapes and day-to-day issues, recognizing that one person’s opinion doesn’t define a nation. Yes, Trump is a well-known figure globally, but so are others like LeBron James and Taylor Swift. Recognition doesn’t equate to respect or distaste.
Out of the total population, only about 23% of Americans voted for Trump. Therefore, the chances are high that many Americans you encounter abroad may not share his views.
Most foreigners—and likewise many Americans—possess nuanced opinions about Trump. I recently met an EU official in Nuuk, Greenland, who was initially apprehensive about Trump’s election. However, after witnessing an unexpected diplomatic summit with Kim Jong Un, her perspective shifted.
“Don’t just focus on where Trump hits the ball,” she remarked regarding his diplomatic style. “It may bounce back in unexpected ways.” Her view mirrors that of countless others I’ve encountered while traveling; they hold a mix of skepticism about Trump while acknowledging his impact without necessarily condemning him outright.
In Greenland, I met individuals who had both strong criticisms and admiration for Trump. Responses varied widely, with some acknowledging that his comments had put their country on the map, even if they wouldn’t outright condone his actions. At home, narratives can become twisted, claiming that everyone in Greenland despises him.
While visiting Hanoi, some women expressed respect for Trump’s unconventional strategies with opponents, although they also noted the negative impacts of tariffs on their country. Their views reveal a complexity that often eludes many journalists reporting on American perspectives.
Often, reactions can be indifferent. A friend in Lima, Peru, when asked about Trump voters, simply said, “I don’t.” In my travels there, I too didn’t know the name of Peru’s president, so why should she be consumed by American politics? Yes, the U.S. has substantial global influence, but it’s somewhat self-centered to think the world is perpetually focused on our affairs. Perhaps it’s time we adopt a more humble outlook.
A number of liberals seem to feel the need to distance themselves from Trump whenever they leave the U.S. I found more reasons to feel pride during a trip when Barack Obama was president than to feel shame as Americans often do today.
Even during Trump’s presidency, Americans hesitant to travel shouldn’t allow critics to dictate their experiences abroad. Holding a U.S. passport is a privilege, offering access to numerous countries, often without the need for visas.
Sure, there might be moments when Americans face skepticism. Yet, more frequently, travelers find respect, kindness, and curiosity. Ultimately, most people around the globe aren’t as focused on judging visitors based on their nation’s politics as they are on personal behavior.
So to my fellow Americans: wear that passport with pride. Strive to embody the values that America stands for—openness, generosity, and a curiosity to learn. Those are the impressions that resonate with people far more than any single political figure.
