The more I travel around the world, the more I notice a shift in how people perceive Americans—especially since the election of Donald Trump. His unpredictable behavior, harsh rhetoric toward people of color, false accusations, and erratic decision-making have affected the way the United States is viewed globally. These changes haven’t stayed within U.S. borders; they follow us overseas.
In Europe especially, I’ve felt a noticeable change. When you present an American passport at immigration, you can feel the judgment in the officer’s eyes. It’s as if you’re being evaluated not as a traveler or an individual, but as a representative of a political system that has been chaotic, divisive, and often mocked on the world stage. European countries tend to elect leaders with strong backgrounds in politics, diplomacy, or economics—qualities many people feel Trump lacked. As Americans, we sometimes end up carrying the stigma of those decisions, even when we personally have nothing to do with them. It can feel embarrassing and isolating.
What’s even more fascinating is the contrast in places like Africa, where I’ve traveled extensively. In many African countries, Trump has significant support. The political context is different: many governments operate under authoritarian structures, military rule, or systems shaped by decades of instability. In those environments, strongman politics are normalized, and leaders who rule with an iron fist are often admired or feared. Because of this, Trump is sometimes viewed not as chaotic, but as decisive—a figure who fits the mold of power they are accustomed to seeing. This difference in political culture creates a striking divide between how Europeans and Africans interpret the same American president.
Traveling through these regions, I’m reminded of how political narratives shape perception. #Travel #borders #Politics #american #EuropeTravel #AfricaTravel
