Canada, Mexico, And France Bear The Brunt As American Tourists In Paris Scramble To Hide Their Nationality Amid Trump’s Trade War Crisis

Sunday, April 13, 2025

American tourists in Paris are resorting to unusual tactics to conceal their nationality, driven by embarrassment over President Trump’s controversial tariff hikes and the growing global trade tensions.

In the wake of Trump’s announcement last week of a significant tariff increase on various imports, American tourists in the City of Light are feeling the weight of international criticism. The tariffs, which have ignited fears of a looming trade war, sent shockwaves through global markets, though the U.S. stock market ended the turbulent week with some gains. While Trump paused some of the new tariff measures, those on China remained unchanged.

At the iconic Tuileries Gardens near the Louvre, an American couple from Oregon—visiting France for the first time—shared their unease about the political climate. Rick Wilson, 74, revealed he took an extraordinary step that morning: he covered the American flag on his baseball cap with black tape. Meanwhile, his wife, Barbara, 70, discreetly wore a Canadian lapel pin, a thoughtful gift from a fellow traveler, in case they needed to downplay their nationality. Despite these efforts, the BBC report noted that no apparent hostility was directed at American tourists in Paris, even before Trump temporarily adjusted some of the tariffs.

Since Trump took office, his administration has swiftly enacted sweeping policy changes, both domestically and internationally. This has caused particular tension with neighboring Canada, which has voiced frustration over Washington’s aggressive trade stance. The controversy reached a humorous peak when Canadian cafes playfully rebranded the Americano coffee as the “Candiano,” a cheeky nod to the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.

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