In a recent interview with the German news magazine Spiegel, German actor and bestselling author Joachim Meyerhoff expressed his disappointment and disillusionment with the United States, a country he once held in high esteem. Meyerhoff, who spent a year in Wyoming as an 18-year-old, now finds the idea of traveling to the US unappealing. As a European, he feels unwelcome and is unwilling to spend hours at the John F. Kennedy Airport having his entry documents scrutinized.
Meyerhoff’s perception of the US has changed significantly over the past four decades. He attributes the country’s current state to a direct line of development, with President Trump being the embodiment of an ideology that many Americans have long held dear. Meyerhoff’s experience in Wyoming, a state he visited in his youth, was marked by a strong Republican lean, xenophobia and homophobia. He recalled that people of color, such as African Americans and Mexicans, faced significant challenges and that gun culture was prevalent, with individuals displaying firearms in their pickup trucks.
Meyerhoff also shared his recollections of the family he stayed with during his time in the US, describing them as loving and kind, but also holding bigoted views. He recalled asking them about the possibility of dating an African American woman, which was met with strong disapproval. Meyerhoff has since lost contact with the family and believes that, if they are still alive, they would likely vote for Trump. The actor’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the country’s complex and often troubled history, as well as the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities.