Is Trump’s America scaring fans off the World Cup?

The World Cup is just days away, but America’s tourism numbers are plummeting — down 5.5% last year, with $8 billion in lost spending and 4 million fewer visitors. Hosts Emily Maitlis and John Humphrys probe whether Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies are driving global travelers away. From J.D. Vance’s infamous 'get out when it’s over' comment to Germany’s travel advisory warning citizens about social media checks at the border, the episode paints a picture of a nation increasingly perceived as unwelcoming. The U.S. tourism ambassador, Nick Adams — an Australian-born Trump loyalist — insists the data shows a rebound and denies any real chill effect, but his deflections ring hollow against stark evidence: hotels slashing prices, stadiums not selling out, and countries like Canada and Denmark reporting sharp declines. The deeper issue, the hosts argue, isn’t just policy — it’s perception. When a president calls African nations 'shithole countries' and ICE agents patrol cities, the message is clear: not everyone is welcome. Meanwhile, a separate segment reveals how Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynne-Williams was silenced by a gag order after exposing the company’s role in the Rohingya genocide — a chilling reminder of how powerful institutions can suppress truth. Together, these stories form a powerful indictment of how political messaging and corporate silence can erode trust on a global scale.