This week, America sent four astronauts back to the Moon on the Artemis II spacecraft. Loyal readers of the Trump Effect know that I am a space junkie, both IRL and on screen. So I was unapologetically and earnestly moved by our latest galactic adventure. It's nice to have something universal to get excited about. I'm also going to see Project Hail Mary shortly. I'll give you my review next week.

Elsewhere in Trump Effect land it was less inspirational. President Trump went to the Supreme Court to listen to arguments over birthright citizenship as part of his immigration assault. I do find this one perplexing. In a Venn diagram of people who like space, I'm sure there's a large overlap for those of us who also carry a pocket constitution. I started doing this when I was in law school. This is my second edition. But you'll see this here – so I'm just confused about the whole thing. Curious if the justices feel the same.

Based on Wednesday's arguments, they might.

During the arguments, Solicitor General D. John Sauer cited "birth tourism" as a reason to end automatic citizenship to those born on American soil. Chief Justice John Roberts, responding to the government's claim that "we're in a new world" since the 14th Amendment was passed, replied: "It's the same Constitution." Conservative justices Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch also questioned the Trump administration's central arguments. A ruling is expected this summer.

Now to what's squarely in our lane. Skift tourism reporter Bailey Schultz took stock this week of where things actually stand for international visitors ahead of what is supposed to be a landmark summer — World Cup, America's 250th, the works. The picture isn't pretty. The U.S. tallied just over 68 million international visitors in 2025 — down 5.5% from the year before and over 10 million short of 2019 levels.

The new fee regime is real and accumulating. A $40 ESTA fee for Visa Waiver travelers, nearly double the previous $21. A $30 I-94 fee for land crossings, up from $6. Bonds of up to $15,000 for travelers from 50 countries. Travel restrictions on 39 nations, including four with World Cup-qualifying teams. And a $100 entry fee to 11 national parks for non-residents. The most contested item — a $250 visa "integrity fee" — isn't even in effect yet, and it's already doing damage.

So while Artemis II is flying, potential visitors to the United States, increasingly, are not.