facebook-pixel

Letter: With a trip outside of America in sight, we’re polishing up on our apologies

A mural by street artist aleXsandro Palombo depicting President Donald Trump is painted on a wall of a building, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

My wife and I are planning to travel overseas next month. We’re hopeful that Europe will let us in. Since we will be visiting five different countries, we’ve been boning up on our foreign language skills.

I’m learning to say, in Greek, “On behalf of The United States of America, I’d like to apologize for the horrific actions of Donald Trump. We didn’t vote for him. We don’t know anyone who will admit they did.”

In Slovakian, my wife has learned the following, “No, we really didn’t think he’d do that.”

In lovely Italy, which we have previously visited, we will look at our tour guide and tell her, “Oh no, we’re from Canada,” and then we’ll ask, “How difficult is it to seek political asylum in your country?”

We’re way behind in learning how to speak with the people of Croatia. So far, we know only one phrase. “Nadamo se da ce biti opozvan i izbacen se duznosti,” which is Croatian for, “Impeach him and kick him out of office.”

Bon voyage!

Mike Dunn, Draper

Submit a letter to the editor

Help The Tribune report the stories others can’t—or won’t.

For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism.  As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.

You can help power this work.