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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Monica Crowley mocked as 'Trump's clone' with orange tan and glowing white hair. Who is she?
Monica Crowley's look into limelight Live Events Who is Monica Crowley? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel On May 30, Monica Crowley was officially sworn in as ambassador and chief of protocol of the United States by the Senate on May 30. Crowley was officially nominated to this position last year, December, 2024 by the US President Donald Trump 's was mocked for her blinging white hair and orange spray tan. Crowley told President Trump after being sworn in: "You looked at the forgotten men and women of this country….Straight in the eye and said I see you, I hear you, and I will be your champion."Expressing her excitement, she shared the news on X, I'm so honored to be CONFIRMED by the Senate to serve as Ambassador and Chief of Protocol of the United States!" "Deeply grateful to President Trump & the Senate for the privilege of representing our great country at home & abroad. Excited to get back to work for the greatest President and for America!", she her appointment drew attention, it was Monica Crowley's appearance that truly stole the spotlight, with many comparing her to Donald Trump. One social media user remarked, "Wow, she's literally Trump's twin," while another joked, "This video proves Monica Crowley definitely has a spray tan and bleached blond hair."In a December announcement, Trump revealed that Crowley would serve as the administration's representative for key US-hosted events, including the country's 250th birthday celebration in 2026, the FIFA World Cup the same year, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The U.S. Travel Association applauded her nomination, describing her role as pivotal in promoting the U.S. on the global stage.'The speed of this appointment gives us confidence that President Trump is committed to making the most of the upcoming decade of major international events,' said Geoff Freeman, the association's CEO. 'These landmark moments will draw millions of travelers to America, showcase the best of our nation, and deliver lasting economic benefits.'However, Crowley's past resurfaced amid the announcement, specifically the plagiarism controversy that derailed her earlier political trajectory. In 2017, during Trump's first term, Crowley had been tapped to become Senior Director of Strategic Communications for the National Security ultimately withdrew from consideration after reports emerged that she had plagiarized extensively in her 2012 book What The (Bleep) Just Happened... Again?, with passages allegedly lifted from various sources, including news outlets and Wikipedia. In response, publisher HarperCollins ceased selling the the time, a member of the Trump transition team dismissed the accusations as a "politically motivated attack." Crowley herself framed her decision to step aside as personal. Speaking to The Washington Times, she said: 'After much reflection, I greatly appreciate being asked to be part of President-elect Trump's team and will continue to enthusiastically support him and his agenda for American renewal. I have decided to remain in New York to pursue other opportunities and will not be taking a position in the incoming administration.'Monica Crowley is a prominent American political commentator, author, and former government official. Born in Arizona, she is a New York Times best-selling author, known for her books What the (Bleep) Just Happened? and The Happy Warrior's Guide to the Great American holds a dual Master's degree from Colgate University and earned a Ph.D. in International Relations from Columbia University. She served as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs during President Donald Trump's first term, where she received the department's highest honor, the Alexander Hamilton Award, for her distinguished service.A well-known television and radio personality, Crowley has worked as a political and foreign affairs analyst for Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, ABC News, NBC News, and other major networks. She currently hosts The Monica Crowley in her career, from 1990 until his death in 1994, Crowley served as foreign policy assistant to former President Richard Nixon. Drawing from that experience, she authored two best-selling books: Nixon Off the Record and Nixon in addition to her media and government roles, Crowley has contributed to numerous national publications, including The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Los Angeles Times, and Newsweek. She has also served as a guest lecturer at prestigious universities such as Yale, Columbia, Rutgers, and MIT.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Las Vegas tourism sees 7.8% decline in visitors — Trump's gamble with policies may be why
Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists, but visitors aren't flocking to the city in the numbers they once were. In March 2025, visitor volume was down by 7.8% from the same period last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Beyond falling visitor numbers, gaming revenue on the Strip, where many of the iconic hotels and Vegas experiences exist, was down 4.8%. Gaming revenue was up on the Boulder Strip and Downtown, but they rake in a fraction of the revenue that the Strip sees. Hotel occupancy in the city reached 82.9%, down from 85.3% last year, and the total room nights occupied was down by 6.1% year over year. On the face of it, a drop of 7.8% in the overall number of visitors to Vegas is a startling reality. The city's tourism-based economy relies heavily on the dollars that out-of-towners spend in their hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos, and more. Although the city is experiencing a drop in overall visitors, not all forms of foot traffic are down. Surprisingly, convention attendance is up by 10%. The spike in convention attendance is due in large part to a recent health care conference, which brought a massive number of attendees to the city. But since this conference rotates locations each year, Vegas likely won't enjoy this conference-related bump to the economy next year. It's clear that visitor traffic is down in Las Vegas, and there appear to be multiple contributing factors. The LVCVA report cited 'a slightly less‐packed event calendar and as‐yet unclear impacts of evolving federal policies rippling through international and domestic markets.' The Trump administration's tariff and immigration policies are unpopular around the world. International visits to the U.S. fell approximately 14% in March from the same period last year, according to government data cited by the U.S. Travel Association in April. It added that 'domestic travel has held relatively steady so far in 2025 — but early signs suggest this momentum may not last.' Many visitors may be choosing to skip a Vegas vacation due to cooling feelings toward the U.S. Last year, the city drew five million international visitors, and more than half were from Canada and Mexico, according to the LVCVA. U.S. relations with both countries have been tense lately. Americans may also be nervous about the economy and spending. A recent Bankrate survey found that only 46% of U.S. adults plan to travel domestically or internationally this summer, down from 53% last year. Sixty-five percent of the non-traveler group said it's because they can't afford it, even though travel costs are actually down compared to this time last year, per Nerdwallet. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel Industry Sounds Alarm: Expedia and Leaders Confront U.S. Tourism Concerns
SEATTLE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Top travel leaders, including Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin and President & CEO of U.S. Travel Association Geoff Freeman, gathered in Seattle at the annual EXPLORE conference to discuss turbulence in the global travel market. As economic pressures grow and international demand softens, industry insiders are calling for urgent action to encourage travel to and within the U.S. The two executives provide commentary on what the U.S. government must do now to protect one of its most vital economic engines, what to do about the drop in demand from Canadian travelers, and why economic softness may be good news for your summer vacation. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: Top Story Angles: The economic threat to U.S. travel: International arrivals are down, inflation is squeezing consumers, and global instability is reshaping demand patterns. 2026 could be a turning point — or a missed chance: With major global sporting events on the horizon, leaders stress that now is the moment to invest in infrastructure, streamline travel policies, and improve the traveler experience. Traveler frustration is peaking: At the summit, leaders are candid about the problems and focused on solutions. WHERE:Expedia HeadquartersSeattle, United States View original content: SOURCE Expedia Group Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Canada Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Foreign travel spending in US to decline 7% in 2025, report says
NEW YORK - International travel spending in the United States is projected to decline by 7 percent in 2025, amounting to a US$12.5 billion loss, as foreign visitors steer clear of U.S. vacations due to political concerns and a strong dollar, according to a report from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Julia Simpson, CEO of the WTTC, stated that the U.S. is the only country among 184 nations experiencing an absolute decline in international visitor spending. "The U.S. is definitely losing its crown in this area," Simpson said, attributing the drop to policies under President Donald Trump's administration, fears of being stopped at the border, and unfavorable exchange rates. The WTTC report projects international visitor spending in the U.S. will fall to below $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024 and 22 percent lower than its 2019 peak. The strong dollar made U.S. travel more expensive in 2024, Simpson noted, but political factors are now also deterring international tourists. In March, Germany updated its travel advisory to the U.S., warning that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry after several Germans were detained at the border. Additionally, the Trump administration now requires all foreign visitors aged 14 and older to register and submit fingerprints if they stay beyond 30 days. This policy includes Canadians, who previously could remain for up to six months without a visa. "The rest of the world is putting up open signs and getting people to come and see their country," Simpson said. "The U.S., at the minute, has firmly got a 'we're not open for business' sign, which is a great shame." The U.S. Travel Association reported that Canadian and Mexican visitors, the largest source of inbound travelers to the U.S., have reduced their trips by about 20 percent year-over-year. Travel from the UK, Germany, and South Korea is also trending lower. In March, overseas travel to the U.S. fell 12 percent year-over-year but rebounded eight percent in April, according to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office. Despite the rebound, Simpson said, the broader trend is still a decline in international spending, potentially impacting the country's position as the world's top travel and tourism economy.
Business Mayor
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
With foreign tourists boycotting the U.S., businesses brace for falling sales
Kaia Matheny (left) and Nora Lamphiear (right), co-owners of Adrift Restaurant in Anacortes, Washington. Kaia Matheny. Anacortes, a small coastal town in Washington state, typically bustles with tourists during the summer months. But local business owners like Kaia Matheny are bracing for less foot traffic — and a financial hit — this year as tensions around trade and concerns about immigration policy push foreigners to reconsider the U.S. as a travel destination. Matheny is the co-owner of Adrift Restaurant, a nautical themed farm-to-table eatery in downtown Anacortes. The town, a gateway to the San Juan islands, is a two-hour drive south of Vancouver. She's seen sales fall amid fewer customers from Canada, which is generally the U.S.' top source of international visitors. Air and land arrivals from Canadians fell 14% and 32%, respectively, in March compared to the same time in 2024, according to Tourism Economics. A sharp decline in foot traffic among foreign tourists looks set to persist through summer, data shows. Matheny is 'wary' about what that will mean during peak season, which typically kicks off in June. Tourism 'won't be what it is usually,' Matheny said. 'We'll batten down the hatches and make the best of it.' A 'quickly souring' travel outlook Tourism is a big U.S. export: Foreign visitors spent more than $180 billion here in 2024, more than all agricultural exports combined, said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. However, international visits to the U.S. fell 12% year-over-year in March, according to Oxford Economics. It's not just Canada: Visits from Western Europe, Asia and South America — historically the U.S.' highest-value travel markets — are also down by double-digit percentages, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Data suggests the weakness will persist through the summer. Air bookings for overseas summer travel to the U.S. are pacing about 10% behind the same time last year, according to Tourism Economics, which is affiliated with Oxford Economics. (These were bookings made as of March.) Canada and Mexico are worse, data show. Summer bookings from Canada to the U.S. are down more than 30%, for example. 'Foreign visitations to the US are the largest services export in the country and the outlook is quickly souring,' Ryan Sweet, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, wrote in a research note published in May. The loss in international tourism is expected to cost the U.S. economy $10 billion this year compared to 2024, said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics. The U.S. Travel Association pegs the potential loss at an even higher $21 billion in 2025, if current travel trends continue. 'It's alarming,' Freeman said. Many businesses and destinations 'count on the international visitor, in particular.' The tourism pullback appears to be 'more a U.S. issue right now' rather than a broad global weakness in travel, since other regions are seeing positive tourism growth, said Lorraine Sileo, senior analyst and founder of Phocuswright Research, a market research firm. Domestic tourism isn't poised to pick up the slack — the market was slowing heading into 2025 and the 'revenge travel' trend, which had propelled Americans to travel due to pent-up demand after Covid-19 lockdowns, has largely been played out, she said. 'I don't think it's all doom and gloom for the U.S. travel industry,' Sileo said. 'But it'll be a tough year.' Travelers have 'a great deal of fear' U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Newark Liberty International Airport. Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images Many factors underpin the decline in international visitors, travel experts said. For one, President Donald Trump has announced several rounds of tariffs, sparking fears of a global trade war and raising the average import duties to the highest level since the early 1900s. Trade wars are 'intrinsically combative' with the international community, Sacks said. In early April, China issued a risk alert for tourists heading to the U.S., citing deteriorating economic relations and domestic security. Several European nations also recently issued U.S. travel advisories, citing reasons such as heightened border security and potential issues around travel documents. More from Personal Finance: There are 'workarounds' to the REAL ID, experts say Where young adults are most likely to live with parents 4 big ways to save on your next trip Trump has also drawn the ire of Canadian citizens and lawmakers through repeated suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, experts said. Likewise for Greenland, which is part of Denmark. 'Now is also the time to choose Canada,' former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a speech in February. 'It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer,' he added. Read More My hike on the hardest trail in Europe – Corsica's GR20 Searches conducted in March and April from Canadians for travel to the U.S. dropped 50% from 2024, according to Beyond, a revenue management platform for short-term rentals. 'We saw a nearly immediate drop in Canadian search activity after the tariff news broke back in February,' Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, wrote in an email. 'While interest in the U.S. dropped, Mexico saw a 35% increase in searches. That tells us travelers aren't canceling trips — they're choosing new destinations.' Anecdotes on social media support that notion. 'Proud to say we've cancelled 3 US based cruises over the next 2 years and instead will be vacationing in Europe and Canada,' one Reddit commenter wrote recently. Growing concern tied to U.S. immigration policy is perhaps the most consequential development in recent months, experts said. 'Whether fair or not, a perception is taking hold that more people are being detained, more devices [are] being searched and legal travelers [are] being deported back to their origin country,' Freeman said. 'That creates a great deal of fear.' Business profits fall 'sharply' amid lost customers Nationally, small and mid-sized business profits have already 'deteriorated sharply' amid the travel slowdown, said Aaron Terrazas, an economist at Gusto, a payroll and benefits provider. The share of 'tourism' companies that are profitable fell to 32% in April 2025, down from 41% and 43% in April 2024 and 2023, respectively, according to Gusto. The category includes tour operators, condo or time-share agencies and ticket or reservation agencies. The share of profitable 'accommodation' businesses fell to 36%, down from 44% and 45%, Gusto found. The category includes small hotels and motels, guesthouses, cottages and cabins, and RV parks and campgrounds. Tourists visit the Charging Bull of Wall Street in lower Manhattan on March 28, 2025, in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images News | Getty Images Slower customer traffic — and lost income — are the main culprits, rather than an increase in expenses from inflation or labor costs, Terrazas said. The erosion in profitability and revenue is 'unusually sharp and unusually sudden, particularly for a time of year when we normally start to see travel pick up,' Terrazas said. 'There's no obvious reason why domestic travel would collapse so sharply and so suddenly in a single month, whereas for international travel there are more obvious explanations.' The longer the slowdown continues, the greater the odds businesses will be forced to make tough choices and potentially cut staff, Terrazas said. Foreign visitations to the US are the largest services export in the country and the outlook is quickly souring. Ryan Sweet chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics Financial losses come at a time when the U.S. hasn't returned to pre-pandemic levels of travel, further pressuring businesses that rely on tourism, Freeman said. The U.S. welcomed 72 million foreign visitors in 2024, shy of the 78 million in 2019, he said. While non-residents account for less than 10% of all U.S. tourism demand, they are far more 'lucrative' spenders, Freeman said. The average overseas visitor spends more than $4,000 per person per visit, eight times more than the average American tourist spends domestically, Freeman said. The average Canadian and Mexican tourist spends $1,200 per visit. 'It's a community impact' Less foreign travel will have a disproportionate impact on certain areas. Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; New York; Orlando, Florida; and San Francisco, for example, account for the largest share of foreign tourists, said Sweet of Oxford Economics. While New York has a large, diverse economy that can likely absorb a tourism loss without going into recession, the same probably isn't true of places like Las Vegas or Honolulu, he said. Tourists take photos near the Las Vegas strip. Robyn Beck | Afp | Getty Images 'These economies are very, very sensitive to tourism,' said Sweet. 'This is their main economic driver.' So far, Matheny, the co-owner of Adrift Restaurant, has seen monthly sales fall 4% relative to last year — not a 'huge' decrease, but a 'noticeable' one, she said. The restaurant has had to cut its buying by an equivalent amount, she said. That in turn hurts the local economy in Anacortes, since the restaurant sources the bulk of its food from local farms and fisheries — hurting their bottom lines, too, said Matheny. 'It's a community impact,' she said. Correction: Beyond is a revenue management platform for short-term rentals. An earlier version misidentified the activities of the company.
