With the FIFA World Cup drawing closer, Trump officials on Tuesday touted the United States’ role as a host country — but not without issuing warnings to visitors in line with the administration’s anti-immigration agenda.
At a World Cup task force meeting at the White House, several Trump officials said they welcome tourists coming to the U.S. for the event next year, even as they issued thinly veiled threats against fans who overstay their welcome.
“I know we’ll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries,” Vice President JD Vance said, adding that the U.S. wants them to celebrate and watch the games.
“But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home. Otherwise, they’ll have to talk to Secretary Noem,” he said, referring to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees agencies tasked with enforcing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, including deportations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed the sentiment, saying officials “want everyone to spend a lot of money in America.” But, he added, “Don’t overstay your visa. Don’t stay too long.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in North America, with the U.S. co-hosting the world’s largest sporting competition with Canada and Mexico. But so far under the current Trump administration, which has implemented draconian anti-immigrant policies and upended relationships with important neighbors and allies, the tourism numbers have not been promising.
Preliminary data released last month by the National Travel and Tourism Office show that international visitors to the U.S. have declined in the first three months of the year, compared to last year. That includes a steep 11.6% drop in March, though The New York Times attributed that month’s numbers to Easter falling later on the calendar this year.
The numbers do confirm a sharp decline in visitors from Canada to the U.S. in recent months, as Trump continues to antagonize Canadian leaders, fueling a boycott of the U.S. and its products. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that “the world will be welcomed” by the U.S. and that he has received assurances from the White House that international fans will be treated well. Meanwhile, various administration officials have struck a less-than-inviting tone to tourists. When asked if international visitors who have participated in pro-Palestinian protests are welcome, Trump suggested on Tuesday that the Justice Department could go after them. “I think people are allowed to protest. You have to do it in a reasonable manner — not necessarily friendly, but reasonable,” the president said, before referring to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. “Otherwise, Pam will come after you, and you’re going to have a big problem.”
Clarissa-Jan Lim is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW. She was previously a senior reporter and editor at BuzzFeed News.
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