The trade policies of President Donald Trump have led to a significant decrease in Canadian tourism in Las Vegas, a development that Democrats are hoping will bolster their chances in Nevada’s crucial electoral contests this November.
In the previous year, Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada resulted in a 17 percent drop in visits from Canadians, who typically make up as much as half of Las Vegas’ international tourist demographic. This decline contributed significantly to a 7.5 percent decrease in overall tourist numbers, marking 2025 as the least successful non-pandemic year for Las Vegas since data collection began in 1970. As the peak travel season approaches in a state pivotal for House control, Democrats are emphasizing the tourism decline as a direct consequence of Trump’s tariffs.
“Trump instituted his reckless tariffs. In response, Canadians have literally boycotted traveling to America,” said Representative Susie Lee (D-Nevada), whose district in Las Vegas is a prime target for Republicans. “That has had a significant impact on our tourism.”
In the 2024 elections, Trump narrowly won Lee’s district and came close to winning two other Democratic-held districts in Las Vegas. While Republicans are less optimistic about capturing these seats than they were last year, Lee’s district remains their best opportunity.
The impact of tariffs on international politics is rarely as pronounced in elections as it is in these races. Nevada, unlike the Midwest or Great Plains, lacks a significant manufacturing or agricultural sector affected by tariffs, but its Canadian tourist market, comprising 25 to 50 percent of foreign visitors, has been hit hard.
Criticism from the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee has been directed at Nevada’s Democratic representatives for opposing last year’s reconciliation bill that included a “no tax on tips” clause. “If they actually cared about affordability, they wouldn’t have spent years making Nevada harder and more expensive to live in,” said NRCC spokesperson Christian Martinez.
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Kush Desai pointed out that the “vast majority of Las Vegas tourists are Americans,” and highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on stimulating economic growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and energy policies.
The tariffs have angered many Canadians, leading to boycotts of U.S. products and destinations. This sentiment is reflected in a POLITICO poll from February, showing a majority of Canadians now view the U.S. as an unreliable ally.
Even some Republicans in Nevada recognize the issue. “The Canadians aren’t coming the way they were. Wonder why that is, huh?” quipped Representative Mark Amodei (R-Nevada), who is not seeking reelection. “The communications for the tariff stuff was suboptimal.”
The decline in Canadian tourists has affected Las Vegas’s hospitality sector, which depends on international visitors. Several restaurants in the city have closed recently, some citing a drop in visitors. While employment has increased in entertainment, hiring in food and accommodation has stagnated, according to Andrew Woods, an economist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Efforts to recover lost business amid a continuing boycott from Canada include Las Vegas resorts offering to exchange Canadian dollars at par with U.S. dollars, effectively a 30 percent discount, and hosting free concerts with Canadian artists. The city’s tourism office has also launched a $3.5 million marketing campaign targeting Canadian visitors.
However, overcoming nationalistic anger with advertising is challenging.
“Despite the efforts of our major operators in Las Vegas, the headwinds are coming from these external forces and the policies of this administration, and that’s what’s creating the economic uncertainty that we’re facing right now in Las Vegas,” said Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nevada), whose district Trump lost by less than three points.
Tourist visits did increase in February and March compared to the previous year, which is a positive sign for the service industry. However, the prior year’s decline left a significant gap, according to Ted Pappageorge, secretary/treasurer of the Culinary Union representing 60,000 hospitality workers. If the trend continues, the union might initiate relief efforts for its members, similar to those during Covid.
“If there’s anything like the reduction in visitation that happened last year, if that happens this year, then we’ll be in relief effort territory for our members,” said Pappageorge, noting that “thousands and thousands of hours” have been cut for union members due to reduced operations and closures.
Marty O’Donnell, the GOP frontrunner against Lee and backed by Trump and the NRCC, once doubted tariffs but now supports Trump’s trade strategy.
“I’m now a convert, because what I see Donald Trump doing with tariffs is not something I ever anticipated,” O’Donnell said. “He uses it as a negotiating tool in a way that I never anticipated, and I actually love what he’s doing.”
O’Donnell downplayed tariffs as a voter concern. “I don’t hear anybody complaining about tariffs,” he said. “I just don’t think it’s an issue. I think there are way, way more important issues.”
A Nevada Republican strategist, speaking anonymously, acknowledged Canadian anger over Trump’s “51st state” remark but cited an increase in visitors in early 2026. The strategist also highlighted Nevada’s job growth in April despite having high unemployment, arguing these gains weaken Democratic criticisms.
“There are some bright spots,” said O’Donnell adviser Keith Schipper. “We’re talking about tariffs less so now than even six months, eight months ago.”
Republicans also highlight the popularity of Governor Joe Lombardo, hoping his appeal can aid Republican candidates. A February poll showed him viewed favorably by a majority of voters despite Trump’s approval rating falling to 41 percent.
Not all economic signs are negative, according to Woods, the UNLV economist. The luxury hospitality sector is thriving, and increased convention and business travel has offset the number of Canadian visitors. “Canadian visitors, though, tend to stay longer and make Vegas their prime destination compared to other international tourists, which is good for our economy,” he explained.
The decline in local tourism is compounded by broader economic issues. A CNN/SSRS poll from late April and early May found that 77 percent of U.S. voters believe Trump’s policies have raised the cost of living in their communities. Rising energy prices due to the war in Iran have also driven inflation to its highest level in three years.
Las Vegas remains an industry-dependent city, and with its main industry struggling, Democrats are hopeful about their electoral prospects.
“There’s a lot of service industry folks here, and so those folks are in the social circles in town,” said John Oceguera, a former Democratic speaker of the Nevada Assembly. “Whether you’re at a little league baseball game or a school event or whatnot, people are talking about that.”
