Vegas tourism officials latest to blame Trump tariffs for lack of business

Democrat and media propaganda that President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs would lead to economic doom have provided a convenient excuse to businesses that are struggling to attract customers for other reasons.

The latest to scapegoat Trump for their own failing business models is the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), which blamed the tariffs for the drop in visitors to Sin City, which is now struggling to attract tourists who once flocked to the desert city’s casinos and resorts.

“Some of the decisions our administration has made around international relations has caused a drop in tourism,” LVCVA president Steve Hill said at a Tuesday meeting where factors impacting the decrease in visitors were discussed.

“Our international visitation is flat but is making up for a 20+% drop in tourism from Canada, which is our largest international source of visitation,” Hill added, according to Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV.

Vegas’ woes have been making headlines, with Fox News recently reporting on LVCVA statistics showing that “only 3.1 million people visited in June, which is down 11.3% compared to last year.”

“The hotel industry is feeling the burn of fewer visitors, with occupancy dropping 6.5% while average daily room rates have lowered to $163.64 – down 6.6%, according to the LVCVA,” the outlet reported earlier this month.

Fox News cited an X post from a user who claimed to have family members living in Vegas. “They say casinos are empty … People are being laid off … There is no tourism,” the user said.

But while Trump is a highly visible target to point the finger at, others note that Vegas’ problems are largely those of the self-inflicted type.

Or maybe, just maybe, people are sick of being gouged by the greedy, corporate, publicly traded, casino cartels that all seem to magically, at the same time, charge for parking and ridiculous “resort fees” of over $50/night that provide zero value.

— Peter Sekovski (@PoligionMedia) August 13, 2025

No Las Vegas is not very affordable anymore.

— Texas Free Thinker (@GenX_Thomas) August 13, 2025

The homeless and pot smoking on The Strip have something to do with it…. Las Vegas tourism drops sharply as some visitors claim ‘casinos are empty’ amid rising costs https://t.co/ePxtvjzuAw

— Jason Chaffetz (@jasoninthehouse) August 2, 2025

Las Vegas is destroying itself with these prices.

Las Vegas used to be famous for the cheap all you can eat buffet. In most places that is gone. Now they nickel and dime you for everything. This one is new, $50 to store anything in your hotel room mini-fridge. https://t.co/RX11ukJzPg

— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) August 15, 2025

Vegas was awesome in the 80’s-90’s. It has been jacking up prices ever since.

— NIBS (@AHarVesco) August 15, 2025

Tariffs had crap to do with it. They priced themselves out. I know people who just quit going because, food has gone sky high, hard,y any comps. He was a major player and usually had rooms comped…etc
Says he might as well play in Oklahoma since it isn’t worth going to Vegas…

— Dani. ️ . ☽⚝☾ (@Mastiffs4ever) August 13, 2025

“Vegas tourism is down. This must be a sign of bad things to come.”

Vegas: Buy our $80 pizzas.

Greed ruined Vegas. People found more value elsewhere. It’s pretty simple. pic.twitter.com/9MNzua5of4

— TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) August 15, 2025

Ripping people off more like. Let people lose their money the old fashioned way, gambling. But that’s not good enough anymore.

— Cyoung (@AchorCy) August 13, 2025

Vegas tourism is in free fall. Why? Vegas used to be the city of budget buffets, shows, and fun. Now they charge you $30 to park, jack up the prices in their casinos, charge too much for rooms and shows, and still expect you to gamble. No thanks

— Hart & Soul (@bhart1977) August 15, 2025

I’m surprised they didn’t blame global warming making it too hot in Vegas and ICE.

— Bernard (@BBD100) August 13, 2025

The Daily Mail highlighted a viral TikTok video showing the obscene drink prices shared by one user who expressed sticker shock at the Flamingo pool menu.

“A bucket of six Coors lights was priced at a staggering $76.99, with 24 cold ones running up to $290.99 – a near 15 times markup from its usual $20 price,” the outlet reported.

Also claiming that tariffs are at fault for the lack of business are a number of restaurant chains which are also seeing fewer customers, with it being easier to blame Trump than areas within their control, such as high prices, poor quality, and crappy service.

Another reason for Vegas’ lost allure is the proliferation of online gambling sites.

“Now nearly everyone under 40 who bets seems to do it online,” conservative podcaster and activist Robby Starbuck recently told Fox News Digital.

“Another differentiator is that older generations focused on real-life interaction — while younger generations feel just as content with parasocial online experiences,” he said. “The Vegas marketing image is one centered on slots and showgirls, two things young people have no interest in,” Starbuck added, noting that the changing times may have passed Las Vegas by.

Staff Writer

Chris Donaldson is an ordinary American who is concerned about rampant corruption as well as the ongoing attacks on our way of life by those who have contempt for our hard-earned freedoms. A Navy veteran, he has been a frequent contributor to conservative websites and resides in Florida.

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