Canada or somewhere in Europe would be very appealing.

Some years ago when I was still somewhat "woke"-aligned and I had the opportunity to travel to the US for a conference and a few days around that for work and leasure. I almost didn't do it because I thought I'd rather not visit the US while Trump was in office (lol) or that Texas of all places wouldn't be the best choice to get a first impression of the US. I was full on "muh EU is the future", you know. I was stupid and naive.

I'm glad a colleague from my team talked me out of this nonsensical stance and so I booked my flight, did my ESTA, went through some post 9/11 security theatre thanks to SSSS being printed on my ticket.

I would've regretted it so much if I hadn't gone. Everyone, from cops to homeless people to supermarket workers to baristas, as well as restaurant staff, event folks, tech people - well, basically everyone was just the full package of a friendly and kind human being. Even some open carry dudes where ready for a nice chat when you stared at their gun. All had perfectly reasonable explanations for why their had one.

You can heal from Trump Derangement Syndrome and 99% of what's said of the US probably won't affect you even the slightest once you're there.

I'm very 'woke' by US and even European standards so I just wouldn't feel safe there. I don't expect any problems with my employer even if I'd be asked to go and refuse.