Rep. Kevin Hern, R-Okla., told Newsmax on Monday that it's "awesome" to see foreign visitors attending FIFA World Cup events discover America's beauty, diversity, and opportunities — then share those experiences with people around the world online.

During an appearance on "National Report," Hern praised the growing number of viral social media posts showing international soccer fans traveling across the U.S. and documenting their experiences beyond the country's largest cities.

"I think it's awesome," he said. "I think people don't realize how vast America is, how diverse it is, from coast to coast, border to border. And when they get here to see the ease of travel across our 50 states, certainly it's something special for folks coming around the world."

Hern said the World Cup is giving visitors a chance to experience parts of the country they may have only heard about before arriving.

"When we have something like 70 Super Bowls, with the different FIFA events, it gives people the opportunity to travel, to see their favorite teams, all the things they hear about, either through Google or whatever else they're doing, to find these special places," he said.

The congressman's comments came after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted a viral social media post from a German soccer fan named Freddy, whose road trip through Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama attracted widespread attention online.

Hern agreed with the idea that road trips offer one of the best ways to experience America and said many international visitors arrive with a limited view of the country.

"I think it's also interesting, when you see these folks come from around the world, they think of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago," he said. "But when you get out and you see the people like Freddy, get out and drive across our great nation, they get to see how beautiful it is and how good the people are."

Hern pointed to attractions in America's heartland, including historic Route 66, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. He noted that thousands of travelers drive portions of the iconic highway every day.

The Oklahoma Republican also said visitors often gain a deeper appreciation for the opportunities available in the U.S.

"I grew up in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas with no running water, no indoor plumbing," Hern said. "What they found out is this is the greatest nation that's ever existed to provide opportunities to come from extraordinary poverty, to have extraordinary successes."

He added that it's encouraging to see international visitors sharing those discoveries with audiences around the globe.

"So, it's great to see these folks coming over here," Hern said. "It's great to see them reporting back about how great America is."

GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!

Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.

You need to watch NEWSMAX today.

Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!

Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now

BEST OFFER:

Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.

Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.

Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!

Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.

Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!

Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com