"Trump Slump": Nevada's Economy Tanks as Tariffs and Immigration Policies Take Toll

Strategic Insights -

Donald Trump's erratic trade war is wreaking havoc on Nevada's economy, leading to a significant decline in tourism and a steep rise in inflation. Despite Joe Lombardo's claim that Nevadans should "feel a little pain" from Trump's tariffs, the consequences of his policies are becoming increasingly dire. Las Vegas, a city heavily reliant on tourism, is feeling the pinch, with a 15% drop in hotel occupancy and a 13% decline in international travelers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tourism in Las Vegas has declined by 11.3% in June compared to the same month in 2024, with resorts and convention centers reporting fewer visitors.
  • Hotel occupancy in Las Vegas dropped by 15% in June, with international travelers accounting for 13% fewer visitors.
  • Canadian airline data shows a significant decline in passengers arriving at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, with Air Canada reporting a 33% drop and WestJet seeing a 31% decline.
  • Ted Pappageorge, head of the Culinary Workers Union, has dubbed the decline in tourism the "Trump slump," attributing it to the administration's immigration crackdown.
  • Joe Lombardo is facing criticism for failing to address unemployment, which has remained high in Nevada under his leadership, with a worst-in-the-nation unemployment rate for the first half of 2025.

Statistics:

  • Nevada's unemployment rate for the first half of 2025 was the worst in the nation, with a significant increase under Joe Lombardo's leadership.
  • Las Vegas welcomed just under 3.1 million tourists in June, an 11% drop compared to the same month in 2024.
  • Hotel occupancy in Las Vegas fell by about 15% in June, with international travelers accounting for 13% fewer visitors.
  • Air Canada saw passenger numbers fall by 33% in June compared to a year earlier.
  • WestJet reported a 31% drop in passengers in June.
  • Flair, a low-cost carrier, reported a 62% decline in passengers in June.

Sources:

  • "Trump Slump": With Lombardo's Blessing, Trump's Reckless Tariffs Tank Las Vegas Tourism and Steepen Inflation, Nevada Democratic Party, Aug. 21
  • Las Vegas tourism is down. Some blame Trump's tariffs and immigration crackdown, Associated Press.