Former President Donald Trump has appointed social media influencer Brandon Straka to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Commerce on March 24, 2026.
Straka, a self-described "alpha male" advocate, is known for his conservative commentary and his "WalkAway" campaign, which encouraged Democrats to leave their party. He was previously pardoned by Trump in January 2021 for his role in the January 6 Capitol breach.
The advisory board provides recommendations to the Secretary of Commerce on matters related to the travel and tourism industry. The appointment is part of a series of board member announcements for the two-year term ending in 2028.
Reactions to the appointment have been mixed, with some supporters praising the choice and critics questioning the selection of a figure with a controversial legal history for a role promoting U.S. tourism.
