Trump crackdown is affecting D.C.'s image and tourism numbers
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A tourist poses for a photograph with members of the National Guard on the National Mall. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Images of National Guard troops and federal officers stationed across D.C. during President Trump's crackdown are appearing to deter some would-be tourists from visiting the city.
Why it matters: Visitors help boost D.C.'s economy, generating $2.3 billion in tax revenue in 2024, per Destination D.C. And the local industry was already feeling a hit earlier this year due to Trump's policies and federal layoffs.
State of play: D.C. restaurant reservations have dropped, foot traffic is down and local tour guide companies have seen a slump during what's typically a popular time for tourism.
- Destination D.C. — the District's marketing arm — is upping its promotion efforts in an attempt to "humanize the city" and "counter negative rhetoric" about the city.
By the numbers: Destination D.C. recently announced a drop in tourism numbers.
- Global tourism is anticipated to be down 5.1% this year, per the group's partner Tourism Economics. International visitors typically stay in the city longer and spend more money than domestic ones.
- And June's World Pride — originally thought to be a huge numbers draw for the city — didn't deliver as expected: Hotel occupancy was down 5%, and it saw less than half the number of projected visitors and generated revenue.
Meanwhile, foot traffic was down 7% on average in D.C. the week Trump announced the takeover, compared to 2024, per pass-by data shared with the Washington Post.
What they're saying: Local tour guides are seeing a decrease in customers, especially among international visitors, reports WUSA 9.
- "In August, we usually have about 80 tours booked. Right now, we're at 40," Christopher Dreher, owner of Tiber Creek Private Tours, told the outlet.
- Dreher said that about half of his customers are reaching out to ask whether D.C. is safe to visit, and that bookings from Canadian clients have dropped to zero.
"The leader of our country in our backyard is giving a false sense of what Washington has to offer as a city," Destination D.C. president and CEO Elliott Ferguson said last week, the Post reports.
Yes, but: Some visitors are embracing the federal presence and snapping pics with officers in the city.
- And Trump claims that the crackdown is making locals feel safer.
- "People who haven't gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C., in two years are going out to dinner," he said last month.
What we're watching: Whether large upcoming events like America's 250th anniversary next year will nudge numbers back up.