Saturday, June 14, 2025
As Americans travel abroad with President Trump back in the White House, an old story is once again featuring in the media with claims that American citizens are experiencing an increased feeling of shame or embarrassment when visiting other countries because of the association of America with Trump’s rule.
Headlines in prominent newspapers set out the apparent anxiety of US tourists with claims that there is an urge on the part of US tourists to apologize for their nation while visiting other countries. The ground reality is far different from the rhetoric of fear with global sentiments toward US citizens proving to be far more mixed than people would anticipate.
Media Narrative vs. Global Reality
Recent media reports have painted a bleak picture for American travelers. These stories, fueled by anxiety over Trump’s controversial policies and behavior, have reinforced the idea that American tourists are widely disliked abroad.
To add to the narrative, a survey recently revealed that 72% of experienced U.S. travelers worry that they might feel unwelcome in foreign countries. This statistic has been widely interpreted as evidence that the global community increasingly views Americans with disdain due to their president’s actions.
But does this claim hold up when tested against real-world experiences? During his extensive travels across various countries, Daniel Allott, the author of this article, has found that the story of Americans being unwelcome abroad is largely overstated.
Allott has visited a variety of destinations, including Greenland, Vietnam, England, Panama, and Mexico — countries that have all, in one way or another, been in the political crosshairs of the Trump administration. Yet, despite Trump’s controversial policies and statements, Allott has never encountered hostility as an American abroad.
The Root of the Anxiety
The underlying assumption in much of the media coverage is that foreign animosity toward Trump extends to all U.S. citizens. However, Allott argues that this anxiety is often a projection of domestic political concerns rather than a reflection of how Americans are actually received overseas. In reality, most people abroad are far more concerned with their own issues than with America’s political landscape. The idea that Trump’s presidency defines every American is a misunderstanding of how people view foreign nations and their citizens.
Indeed, while it’s true that Trump is a globally recognized figure, this recognition doesn’t always come with judgment or hostility. Recognition does not equate to reverence, nor does it always result in disdain. For example, only about 23% of American citizens voted for Trump in the 2016 election, and many Americans abroad did not support him. This means that when a U.S. citizen travels abroad, the chances are high that they are not associated with Trump in the eyes of the locals they encounter.
In many cases, foreigners hold more nuanced views about Trump. For instance, during a trip to Nuuk, Greenland, Allott met an EU bureaucrat who had been alarmed by Trump’s 2016 election and his “rocket man” tweets aimed at North Korea. However, after witnessing his unexpectedly cordial summit with Kim Jong Un, she reconsidered her initial concerns. This nuanced perspective — a combination of skepticism and reluctant admiration — is often absent from U.S. media, but it’s a reality that travelers often experience in their interactions abroad.
Global Reactions to Trump’s Presidency
Allott’s travels in Greenland and other countries have shown that opinions on Trump are diverse. While some foreigners despise Trump, others genuinely admire him. In Greenland, the discussion around Trump’s suggestion to buy the country was met with wry amusement, and many found that his actions had at least put their country on the map. This is a far cry from the media narrative suggesting universal disdain for Trump.
In Hanoi, Vietnam, a local woman admitted that she had initially admired Trump’s unconventional approach to dealing with adversaries but had become more skeptical as his tariffs began to affect her country. Such responses are not uncommon and reflect the complexity of global views on the U.S. president. Many people abroad hold a balanced view that combines both criticism and appreciation, depending on the context.
For some, the response to Trump is one of indifference. In Lima, Peru, Allott was told flatly by a local friend that she didn’t care about Trump or U.S. politics. In fact, she didn’t even know the name of Peru’s president. This indifference highlights a crucial point: while the U.S. holds significant global influence, the world doesn’t revolve around U.S. politics. People abroad are far more likely to judge Americans based on their behavior rather than their political affiliations or the actions of their president.
The Importance of Not Apologizing for Being American
Allott argues that Americans should not be intimidated by media narratives into apologizing for their nationality when traveling abroad. Being American should be a source of pride, not shame. The U.S. passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, granting access to nearly every country, often without the need for a visa. This privilege should be embraced, not hidden.
Moreover, while it’s true that being American may sometimes make one a target — especially in regions where the U.S. is unpopular for political reasons — the vast majority of encounters abroad are positive. Americans are generally treated with respect, curiosity, and kindness. When travelers experience discomfort or hostility, it is more likely due to cultural differences or the impact of large numbers of affluent tourists, rather than political considerations.
Embracing the Global Experience
Americans reluctant to travel in the Trump years need to be aware that these apprehensions are generally overstated by pundits as well as the media. Travel is a chance to see the world, learn from others, and meet people of different races and backgrounds. By accepting this experience with an open mind as well as an open heart, Americans can undo some of the wrongs of the prevailing narrative and present the best of American values–openness, generosity, and willingness to learn from others.
So to all Americans out there: when you travel abroad, do it with pride. Be an ambassador for the best of American culture — our compassion, curiosity, and resilience. People won’t be recalling your president when you’re abroad, but instead will remember you as an individual.
