Trump’s National Park ‘Snitch Signs’ Backfired Spectacularly
Trump’s National Park ‘Snitch Signs’ Backfired Spectacularly
Nicholas J Klein/Shutterstock
https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/experiences/news/trumps-national-park-snitch-signs-backfired-spectacularly
Thousands of comments submitted through National Park Service feedback signs criticized the Trump administration, opposed historical revisions, and called for more funding and staffing at national parks.
Last year, the Department of the Interior (DOI), the federal agency that manages the nation’s national parks, installed what critics dubbed “snitch signs” at national parks, asking visitors to report any negative portrayals of American history. But instead of reporting signage, visitors left thousands of comments criticizing the Trump administration.
Recently, the National Park Service (NPS) released public comments received between June 4, 2025, and Jan. 14, 2026. The file contains roughly 35,000 comments, many of them repeated. But the exercise may have been futile because much of the feedback strongly disapproves of the president and his administration, with commenters demanding that national parks not erase or rewrite history. Others pointed to a lack of information about climate change, transgender rights, and slavery.
Most notably, many comments directly criticized President Trump and DOI Secretary Doug Burgum. One commenter wrote, “You asked us to report anti-American behavior. I would like to report the Fascist in Chief, Donald J. Trump, for being a stain on this country, its people and its land. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Others described the administration’s actions as un-American and accused it of attempting to erase history. One comment stated: “Trump administration: Hands off our history. The rangers at this National Park are doing a great job. They are providing an essential service, protecting our history and beautiful natural landscapes for future generations. Instead of undermining them, you should support them.”
In 2025, President Trump signed a directive recognizing only two genders, and the administration subsequently removed references to transgender people from federal websites. Visitors noted the lack of acknowledgment of transgender activists and urged the NPS to restore signage recognizing their role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
Many commenters also called on the NPS to hire more rangers and increase funding, arguing that the parks need additional support. In 2025, President Trump launched DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, which significantly reduced the National Park Service workforce. Approximately 1,000 park employees, about 5% of the workforce, were laid off, leaving many parks understaffed. The administration’s 2027 budget proposal would further reduce NPS funding by $736 million, roughly 20% of its $3.2 billion annual budget, potentially putting additional jobs at risk.
Many comments criticized the feedback initiative itself. One commenter wrote, “Climate change is real and so is racism. Snitch signs are fascist.” Another said the signs soliciting feedback were ridiculous and that history should not be revised simply because it makes people uncomfortable.
Not all comments were political. Some focused on park services, others praised the natural beauty of the parks, and some made jokes, including remarks about not being able to spot Bigfoot.
Erasure of History
The controversy began in May 2025, when President Trump signed Secretarial Order 3431, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. The order directed federal sites to “remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union.”
In practice, critics say the policy led national parks to remove signs and exhibits of historical significance in an effort to reshape historical narratives. A removal tracker maintained by Save Our Signs documents signs that have been removed or modified, including those related to slavery, Indigenous history, climate change, and LGBTQ+ history. The National Parks Conservation Association has also documented exhibit changes, including alterations to a slavery-related exhibit at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
A QR code posted at national parks now asks visitors to report “any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur and abundance of landscapes and other natural features.”
The policy has generated backlash from advocacy groups, activists, park rangers, and members of the public. Multiple lawsuits have been filed alleging violations of free speech protections. Meanwhile, a coalition of roughly 1,000 off-duty, former, and retired park rangers has organized in opposition to what they describe as censorship and unlawful terminations. The group, known as Resistance Rangers, encourages visitors to contact their elected representatives and send postcards to Secretary Burgum.
Consumer spending, strong labor market lift full-year expectations for the hotel industry
Ancillary revenue generators drive hotel performance growth in the US
Jan Freitag, of CoStar Group, center, shares the updated hotel industry forecast on a panel alongside Suzy O'Mara, Deloitte, left, and Michael Grove, Hotstats, right, at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum. (Bryan Wroten)
https://www.costar.com/article/219182604/consumer-spending-strong-labor-market-lift-full-year-expectations-for-hotel-industry
NEW YORK — All things considered, U.S. hotel performance so far in 2026 is where many in the industry hoped it would be following a maligned previous year.
CoStar and Tourism Economics upgraded their full-year 2026 U.S. hotel forecast across the board from their previous projections in the first quarter.
U.S. hotel revenue per available room is now forecast to grow 2.8% year over year, up from previous projections of 0.6% growth back in January. The U.S. hotel average daily rate is forecast to grow 2% year over year, and occupancy is estimated to finish the year at 62.8%.
RevPAR is forecast to grow year over year across each hotel segment as well, with luxury continuing to lead the way.
"We're projecting that this year is actually very much a reversal from last year, and that room demand is going to continue to grow and that gives us some pricing power," Jan Freitag, national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group, said during the "State of the state: Macro, micro and trends" session at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum.
In 2025, annual U.S. hotel RevPAR and occupancy saw declines for the first time since 2020.
Michael Grove, CEO of Hotstats, said the U.S. hotel industry has already regained the RevPAR drop in 2025 through the first four months of 2026. A large part of that is attributed to RevPAR growth in ancillary revenue generators such as food and beverage; conference and events; spa and wellness; and golf.
Hoteliers "should be maximizing [ancillary services] in order to be able to offset these cost challenges that we're going to continue to see," Grove said.
Consumer spending among Americans continues to grow despite declining consumer sentiment, said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics.
Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, provides an updated take on the U.S. economy and what it means for travel at the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum. (Bryan Wroten)
"Why? Well, I think fundamentally it's because the labor market is hanging in there pretty impressively," he said. "You have this resilient labor force that's underpinning people continuing to spend even though they're pretty unhappy about the situation."
The top income earners continue to spend on lodging. Households that earn $150,000 or more annually account for 51% of leisure travel spending on lodging while making up only 19% of households, Sacks said.
Luxury leads all hotel chain scales in projected RevPAR growth in 2026 at 5.3% after being the standout segment in 2025.
"We have seen almost no price resistance on the very high end," Freitag said. "Our forecast for RevPAR reflects that we haven't seen a trade down for middle-income America. We're projecting demand growth across the limited-service sector as well. So far, so good."
The U.S. also has a couple of major events this summer in the FIFA World Cup and America 250 celebrations.
Robert O'Leary, deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism at the International Trade Administration, said these sports events are really travel events for the U.S. In addition to the mega sporting events this summer, the U.S. is set to host several more in the coming years, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"There is a decade of big demand that's setting up for, and we think that demand is going to really put the United States and travel into the spotlight," O'Leary said.
Headwinds still abound
U.S. hotel performance has surged in 2026 in spite of numerous challenges affecting consumers and the economy.
Sacks said consumer sentiment reached the lowest mark in its 75-year recorded history in the month of April. The labor market remains resilient, but it's also hard to find a job for those who don't have one, and the unemployment rate is likely to rise as the year goes on. Plus, the price of gas has ballooned to more than $4.50 a gallon in the wake of the U.S.-Iran war in the Middle East.
"This is having a major impact on disposable income, particularly for those in the bottom half of income earners," Sacks said.
Stimulus tax refund checks were viewed as a major tailwind coming into the year, but the rise in energy and gas prices have largely offset that impact, he said.
Policies enacted by the Congressional Budget Office, particularly the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," have favored the top 20% of income earners. The top 1% of income earners doubled their net worth as a share of disposable income, while those in the bottom 20% saw their net worth shrink following the passage of the bill.
"When you look at the fiscal package and its net effect on households, strongly positive for really anyone in the 40th percentile up," Sacks said. "Even with the drag of tariffs, you're seeing a positive effect on overall disposable, real income, and it, of course, favors these higher-income households."
While the World Cup will certainly have an effect on hotel demand in the tournament's host markets, the velocity of bookings has come in lower than initially anticipated. Brett Horton, chief advocacy officer at the American Hotel Lodging Association, said AHLA is taking a look at why demand is coming in lower so the U.S. can be better prepared for future events.
"There were state and local policies that may discourage visitors, or certainly the geopolitical considerations. There are perceptions of visa barriers ... those are all things that could possibly be driving down the pace of bookings," he said. "But there's still an opportunity, and our hoteliers are prepared for getting last-minute travel that picks up, and we see this as a real opportunity."
International inbound demand continues to fall, Sacks said. Overseas travel to the U.S. is down 4.3% so far in 2026 after falling 2.5% last year.
Canadians continue to stay away from the States. Canadian travel fell 25% last year and has fallen an additional 11% in the first four months of 2026, Sacks said.
This is a "strong reaction to policy and rhetoric that is seen as combative and unnecessarily creating division," he said. "People who can travel anywhere in the world are choosing, by and large, not to travel to the U.S."
Is This the Most Overlooked 5-Star Hotel in Paris?
Timelab/Unsplash
https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/paris/experiences/news/is-this-5-star-hotel-on-the-champs-elysees-the-most-overlooked-hotel-in-paris
Sitting right on the iconic Champs-Élysées, this 5-star hotel is too often overlooked by the many tourists that flock to Paris.
Step into Parisian luxury with a stay at the 5-star Paris Marriott Champs Élysées Hotel, where timeless elegance meets one of the world’s most iconic avenues in the heart of Paris.
Perfectly situated along the famed Champs-Élysées, this sophisticated hotel places its guests within steps of luxury shopping, charming cafés, and landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
After recently renovating almost 200 guest rooms and suites, with many featuring private balconies overlooking the Champs-Élysées, the rooms draw inspiration from Parisian couture, with modern design, plush bedding, and marble bathrooms. The hotel also offers spacious layouts and connecting rooms ideal for both solo travelers and families.
Whether you’re sipping espresso on the hotel’s terrace, unwinding in your room, or indulging in Mediterranean cuisine at Cira or French cuisine at Jenny’s, the on-site restaurants, every moment feels effortlessly chic for a relaxing trip in one of the most popular cities in the world.
Guests can spend their days exploring nearby museums, strolling along the Seine, or discovering hidden boutiques before returning to the hotel’s comfort for cocktails and refined dining.
The Marriott Champ Elysees is ideal for romantic getaways, city escapes, family vacations, or business travel, offering an unforgettable blend of comfort, culture, and Parisian luxury charm in one of the city’s most celebrated locations.
The State Department Just Issued a New Travel Warning for Mexico
Shutterstock/Diego Grandi
https://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/experiences/news/the-state-department-just-issued-a-new-travel-warning-for-mexico
“Expect big crowds, heavy traffic, and longer travel times.”
The FIFA World Cup starts next week. The popular soccer tournament is spread across 16 cities in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and millions are expected to attend the matches. Before the frenzy begins, the U.S. State Department has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, advising people to exercise caution in the country.
Mexico is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory due to terrorism and kidnapping. The advisory warns, “Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.”
The State Department also notes that it has limited ability to assist in many parts of Mexico, and travelers should follow the same guidelines as government employees and avoid high-risk areas. Do not travel after dark between cities or drive from border towns to the interior of Mexico. Also, avoid traveling alone, especially in remote locations.
It’s important to note that Mexico is a large country and, like any other destination, it has both safe and unsafe areas. Tourist cities are generally safe, and you can avoid problems by taking precautions while you travel.
According to the advisory, the high-risk areas are the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. It warns of armed groups, terrorism, and gang violence in these states. There is also a Level 3: Reconsider Travel warning for Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora. The advisory recommends that travelers stay on main highways and avoid street taxis.
The U.S. embassy and consulates in Mexico said in its FIFA World Cup travel recommendations that the Mexican government is expecting to host more than 5.5 million visitors. People should book accommodations well in advance and expect large crowds and heavy traffic. They also caution that “the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico do not sell FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets.” It is also illegal to resell tickets in the country.
The embassy has released a pocket guide with its contact information for U.S. citizens. For those driving to Mexico, it recommends mapping the route carefully. Among other requirements, you will need Mexican auto insurance and an import permit for your vehicle. You should also cross the border with a full tank of gas to avoid fuel delays on the other side.
You will need your passport book or passport card, including for children. If only one parent is traveling with a child, you must have a notarized authorization letter of permission from the other parent.
Whether you are traveling by land or air, remember not to bring any illegal or restricted items with you. Mexico does not allow tourists to bring vapes or electronic cigarettes; drugs (including marijuana) are also strictly prohibited. In addition, U.S. gun permits are not valid in Mexico, and possession of a firearm is a serious offense. Travel insurance is a wise investment, as standard U.S. healthcare plans will not cover emergencies in Mexico.
For safety alerts and updates, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). “This free resource is available for U.S. citizens traveling abroad to receive updates on everything from local security conditions, protests and demonstrations, or severe weather warnings. STEP also helps us contact you in case of an emergency.”
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