Author Ali Hazelwood’s decision to cancel her U.K. book tour due to border concerns resonated with the broader anxieties surrounding recent deportation and border actions under the Trump administration. This move sparked discussions within book communities about the potential impacts of Trump’s policies on the publishing industry, particularly in relation to book banning, border policies, anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) sentiments, and federal library grant cuts.

While Hazelwood faced travel restrictions, author Curtis Chin adapted by taking his book tour abroad after facing funding cuts for U.S. college events. Chin’s shift to international engagements reflects a growing trend among authors of color seeking opportunities outside the U.S. amid concerns about the current political climate in America.

The Trump administration’s policies have also had significant repercussions on libraries and public spaces for readers. Grant cuts affecting libraries, archives, and museums have led to program closures and hiring freezes, impacting authors, academics, and readers alike. Furthermore, book banning incidents, such as the removal of 400 books from the U.S. Naval Academy’s library, highlight ongoing challenges to freedom of speech and access to diverse literature.

As the publishing industry grapples with the implications of Trump’s policies, authors like Chin remain committed to sharing their stories despite financial losses and uncertainties. The broader impact of these policies on book publishing and readership may not be fully realized until years down the line, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and free expression in literature and public spaces.