Fresh data shows a significant decline in Australian tourists visiting the United States, attributed to concerns over escalating incidents of innocent individuals being detained and mistreated by authorities. The EU is even providing burner phones to its emissaries to avoid potential surveillance at the border. This disturbing trend reflects a departure from America’s values of free speech and democratic rights, as evidenced by the defunding of science agencies and political interference in education. As a result, Australians and others are increasingly opting to avoid travel to the US to mitigate the risk of harassment and mistreatment at the border.

The shift in perception towards the US is not just about economic impacts but also marks a broader cultural shift. America, once a beacon of social freedom and personal liberty, now raises concerns about uncertainty and potential mistreatment for visitors. This change is evident in the reluctance of individuals and even government officials to engage with the US due to fears of being targeted or detained. The decline in tourism reflects a deeper withdrawal from the American cultural conversation, which was once influential and inspiring on a global scale.

As political figures grapple with the changing anti-Trump sentiment, the broader public is experiencing a form of cultural grieving. The reluctance to visit the US is not just about avoiding inconvenience but signifies a loss of the once-cherished image of America as a bastion of freedom and diversity. The current landscape raises questions about whether the US can regain its standing as a welcoming and inclusive destination for international visitors.