Would you visit USA in the current climate?

Was in New York 3 weeks ago with herself and the kids (teenagers).

Immigration in Dublin was no hassle. Guy wasn't particularly friendly but no issue. Asked me what line of work I am in and what was my reason for travel. Barely acknowledged my answers.

New York was New York. Loud, buzzy and generally just an overload for the senses. Food and drink in restaurants was expensive but not really much more than Dublin prices. Pizza slices and takeaway bagels are reasonably priced for a snack/lunch on the go.

Kids loved it but being teenagers that was a given. Personally if I didn't go back for 10 years I'd be happy enough.

One morning in the lift a couple got in and I said good morning and asked them their floor (I was in front of the control panel). She pipes up with "are you here on vacation or are you here to see our wonderful president"? I just nodded and said "just a few days holidays". She then said "I'm really, really sorry. We didn't vote for him". I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and nodded at her.

It's a complete melting pot of a country so there'll be differing political and cultural opinions throughout.

It may have to do with fewer travelers.

I was in California a couple of weeks ago. Very, very expensive! Met lots of people… no one had a good word to say about Trump. You'd imagine, even though it's a predominantly Democratic state, that I'd have meet at least one of the e38% who voted for Trump in 2024

I'm sorry not for me. Americans voted in Trump twice despite knowing what kind of person he was so yeah iv'e something against Americans in general. They don't get a free pass.

The promised increase in ICE officials in select US Airports might have an effect in the next little while, as far as international travellers go. We'll have to gauge if the new beautiful war will deliver on its promise of eliminating or exciting terrorist activities.

They might also want to take a look at lack of safety in Air traffic control, as a deterrent to travel… I lost two compatriots (pilots) that could be related to problematic work conditions brought on by Elon's DOGEing about. In fact, after cutting back jobs in that department, Musk seemed to offer paying Air Safety personnel salaries for the duration of the Govt shutdown.

But they DID vote him in. That's democracy and the blame falls squarely on the American electorate. The ones that didn't bother their arse voting are as bad as those that voted for him.

They voted Bush in twice aswell. People had no problem going then.

Was before people turned into utter mentalists due to social media though.

No 75 million didn't vote for trump, 90 ish million didn't vote at all which is a de facto vote for whoever ends up winning much like abstaining in the Dail etc. Not voting does not equal not supporting trump it simply equates to not caring enough to vote at all therefore they don't think hes that much of an issue which is nowhere close to not supporting him.

Anyone who didnt vote is in my opinion just as bad as those who voted for him and shoulder just as much of the blame.

Thing is, theres huge areas of the country - 10s of millions of people over 10s of millions of square miles - who will never vote and see federal politics and DC as some sort of "Eastern" thing. Almost like a different country. I've known people involved in state and country politics to varying degrees who dont vote in Presidential elections.

They almost would laugh when you'd suggest voting for a Bush or a Clinton. Or a Trump. Or voting to give any one person that amount of power.

How many people on Boards who went to America in the 00s are saying they wouldn't go now? How is it different?