How government agendas shape the UX landscape

A tale of UX and power.

An image from French President Emmanuel Macron’s latest White House visit. Source: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250224-macron-and-trump-rekindle-le-bromance-with-a-touch-of-tension

As a UX Career Coach, it hit me after having five discovery sessions in two days with American UXers. Despite personal differences (e.g., age, gender, career goals), one central theme stood out:

Leaving the US and getting a UX job elsewhere was a priority. And it sounds like it’s the case for many.

It may sound extreme, but really, it isn’t. UX design isn’t just about usability, accessibility, or delightful interactions — it’s deeply political.

The products we design, the features we prioritize, and even the job security of UX professionals are all shaped by government policies and political leadership.

Every organization, from big tech to boutique agencies, operates within a political landscape that dictates how it builds, hires, and innovates. And now, with Donald Trump’s political resurgence in the U.S., many American UXers are considering leaving the country in search of better work and life conditions elsewhere.

But here’s the thing: No matter where you go, UX is political.

Tech companies as political actors