1. United States
2. N.D.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's actions threaten to undermine North Dakota's tourism industry, a crucial economic driver for the state. By imposing tariffs on Canada, promoting harmful rhetoric that has sparked informal boycotts, and significantly reducing National Park Service staff, these policies jeopardize the ability of communities near national parks and businesses reliant on Canadian visitors to thrive during the vital summer tourism season. The projected 10% decline in Canadian travel could cost the nation $2.1 billion and 14,000 jobs, with impacts already being felt by local ski resorts and state tourism efforts. Cuts to interpretive and educational park staff positions risk degrading the visitor experience at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, one of our state's crown jewels. While our federal representatives express concerns, stronger public opposition from state leadership is needed to safeguard North Dakota's tourism economy from these damaging policies. Our governor and state officials must proactively condemn measures harming cross-border travel and collaboration with our northern neighbor. Allowing this rift with Canada and disinvestment in our national parks to persist threatens jobs, businesses, and a pivotal industry for our state.