'People might treat us differently': Trump era leaves US tourists in Paris feeling shame

In the heart of Paris, two American tourists, Rick and Barbara Wilson, were experiencing their first visit to the enchanting city. As they strolled through the picturesque Tuileries gardens under the warm sun, Rick, who is 74 years old, took an unusual step before leaving their hotel. He carefully placed a small piece of black tape over the American flag on his baseball cap. 'We're sick about it. It's horrible. Just horrible,' Rick expressed, reflecting the feelings of shame and embarrassment they now associate with being Americans due to President Trump's sudden changes in global trade tariffs. Barbara, 70, even carried a Canadian lapel pin, a thoughtful gift from another traveler, believing it might help them avoid unwanted attention. 'I'm disappointed in our country. We are upset about the tariffs,' she shared, highlighting the emotional toll that political decisions can have on individuals traveling abroad.

American tourists are a common sight in Paris, but the current political climate has led some to feel uneasy about how they might be perceived. Chris Epps, a 56-year-old attorney from New York, decided to alter his usual attire for the day’s tour. He left his New York Yankees hat behind, concerned that it might draw unwanted attention. 'People might come up to us, treat us differently. But so far, so good,' he noted, indicating a cautious optimism. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among American travelers about how their nationality might influence their experiences abroad, especially in light of recent political events.

The relationship between the United States and France has a long and complex history, and recent actions by the Trump administration have stirred feelings of discontent among many in France. Philippe Gloaguen, the founder of France's renowned travel guide, Le Guide du Routard, reported a significant decline in orders for his books about the United States, with a 25% drop this year alone. He expressed pride in his customers, describing them as young, well-educated, and democratic. Gloaguen suggested that the current political climate has led many in France to view America through a more critical lens. 'They don't want to spend their money in the United States,' he remarked, indicating a shift in travel preferences. This change in sentiment is further supported by predictions from Oxford Economics, which forecasts an 8. 9% decrease in the number of French tourists traveling to the US this year compared to the previous year. The implications of these political tensions extend beyond tourism, affecting various aspects of international relations and cultural exchanges.