'Boycott USA' Movement Gains Steam as Global Backlash Against American Policy Grows
Rising international calls to boycott the United States are tied to ICE enforcement, WHO withdrawal, tariff threats on allies, and aggressive foreign policy. The EU positions itself as a more reliable partner.
A viral call to action featuring an EU-themed propaganda poster has crystallised growing international frustration with American policy. The hashtag #BoycottUSA is trending as travel warnings multiply and the United States formally exits the World Health Organization.
The movement gained momentum this week after Anonymous, the decentralised hacktivist collective, posted an image depicting a woman in EU-blue armor pointing at the viewer with the words "We Want You To Boycott USA." The post has accumulated over 14,000 engagements, reflecting a broader sentiment among those disenchanted with Washington's increasingly isolationist stance.
The backlash comes as a confluence of American policy decisions has alienated traditional allies. President Trump's administration completed the formal withdrawal from the WHO on January 22, leaving behind approximately $260 million in unpaid dues. The United States had been the organization's largest contributor, providing nearly a quarter of its budget.
Travel Warnings Mount
Multiple European governments have updated their travel advisories for the United States. The UK, Germany, Finland, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands have all issued warnings to citizens planning trips across the Atlantic, according to The Travel.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has become a particular focal point. Prof. Eliot Jacobson's post calling for a boycott of the tournament has garnered over 20,000 engagements, with supporters drawing comparisons to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. FIFA has received a record-breaking 500 million ticket requests overall, but reports of cancellations from international fans continue to circulate.
A viral TikTok showing an empty Delta flight from London to New York has fuelled speculation about declining tourism. Hashtags like #SkipAmerica are trending on European social media platforms, with influencers encouraging followers to choose alternative destinations.
"Absolutely will not be going! Tickets Cancelled," wrote one user responding to the World Cup boycott call.
ICE Enforcement Fuels Outrage
The Trump administration's immigration enforcement campaign has drawn particular criticism. ICE has more than doubled in size over the past year to over 22,000 agents, according to The Washington Post. The agency is now tasked with reaching a daily detention goal of 100,000 and a target of one million deportations annually.
On January 7, an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an enforcement action in Minneapolis, leaving behind a six-year-old son. Rock legend Bruce Springsteen reportedly donated $500,000 to support the family.
The incident has added fuel to the boycott movement. One influential account with nearly half a million followers thanked those who had cancelled their travel plans, writing: "To those who have heeded the call to cancel their travel plans to USA, history will remember you!!"
Amnesty International has documented 32 detainee deaths since January 2025, compared to 24 during the entire Biden presidency. Amy Fischer, the organisation's director for refugee and migrant rights, said the agency was "running lawless in our country, killing US citizens."
The EU Alternative
As Washington retreats from multilateral institutions and threatens tariffs on allied nations, the European Union has positioned itself as the more reliable partner for countries seeking stability and predictable rules-based relationships.
On January 9, the EU Council approved the comprehensive partnership agreement with Mercosur by a vote of 21 to 5, creating what will become the world's largest free trade zone covering over 700 million consumers. The signing ceremony took place on January 17 in Paraguay.
The European Council emphasised that the agreement represents a different approach to international trade. Unlike American tariff threats and bilateral strong-arming, the EU-Mercosur deal anchors the Paris Climate Agreement in binding trade provisions for the first time.
The timing is notable. As the United States exits global health governance, the EU faces pressure to fill the void. European nations are expected to take on larger roles as WHO donors, with Germany, the UK, and France potentially leading the effort.
What Comes Next
The boycott movement shows no signs of abating. Pressure is building on FIFA sponsors to reconsider their involvement with the US-hosted portions of the World Cup. Some advocates have called for all matches to be moved to Mexico and Canada, the tournament's co-hosts.
For the EU, the moment presents both challenge and opportunity. Brussels can demonstrate that partnership, sustainability, and respect for international institutions remain viable principles for global cooperation. The contrast with Washington's approach could not be more stark.
January 23, 2026