World Cup chaos avoided by Trump moves he didn’t make, ‘equally as important’ as actions taken: travel exec - Fox News

What the report says

Fox News Digital reported that the U.S. Travel Association praised President Donald Trump’s administration for both actions it took and measures it avoided before and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying those choices helped prevent travel disruptions and contributed to a successful tournament. The industry group’s president and CEO, Geoff Freeman, made the case in a letter to Trump obtained by Fox News, crediting faster visa appointments, security screening and airport processing, while emphasizing that decisions not to implement certain policy changes were “equally” significant.

According to Fox News, Freeman pointed to several proposals or requirements that did not move forward, including the $250 Visa Integrity Fee before the tournament, plans involving the removal of Customs and Border Protection officers from some airports, and new Electronic System for Travel Authorization requirements for Visa Waiver Program visitors. He argued that avoiding those steps helped foreign fans enter the country efficiently and spend more money at U.S. businesses. The letter also said the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA handled more than 5 million applications and approvals while maintaining security standards.

Fox News said the letter was accompanied by U.S. Travel and Morning Consult data portraying the World Cup as a tourism and public-diplomacy success. The reported findings included broad American support for international visitors having a positive U.S. experience, and strong public interest in the country hosting more major global events.

The article also included a White House response from spokesperson Davis Ingle, who credited Trump’s leadership and said the tournament delivered major economic benefits and a safe experience. The U.S. is also scheduled to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2031 Women’s World Cup and the 2034 Winter Olympics.