After Donald Trump’s election victory sent waves of shock through Hollywood, numerous celebrities are actively seeking refuge outside the U.S. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were among the first to make the leap, recently relocating to rural England. The couple, who have faced numerous challenges since DeGeneres’ tenure as talk show host came under scrutiny, are reportedly embracing their new environment, attending local events, and preparing for what the future holds away from the glare of American media.
After Trump’s return to the Oval Office, as many as sixty celebrities have hinted at or outright declared intentions to leave the country, with some even taking steps to move overseas. This wave of celebrity exiles—often dubbed "the mortified lefty stars"—includes high-profile names like America Ferrera, Barbra Streisand, and Cher, all of whom have expressed their disbelief and disappointment over the election results.
Miley Cyrus and Samuel L. Jackson, along with Whoopi Goldberg, had previously threatened to leave America after Trump’s startling 2016 victory but later decided to hang back. Yet this time feels markedly different: concern about what Trump’s presidency signifies for their country appears more palpable.
On the matter of her own departure, DeGeneres indicated her move isn’t solely about politics. Having dealt with allegations of toxicity on her show, many say this shift reflects her desire to start anew. Sources quoted by DailyMail.com indicate she’s "devastated" by Kamala Harris losing to Trump and feels disillusioned with America. One insider revealed, "She thought the country she lived in was meant to be more progressive than this," reinforcing the sense of despair many have felt post-election.
Even Eva Longoria, who has lived across Europe for work, reflects on the changes, saying, 'I'm a proud American, but I was ready to close the chapter here.' Longoria, who maintains strong ties to her Texan roots, insisted her move was not solely about Trump but rather about growth and opportunity.
Other celebrities, like Eva Mendes, have used humor to cope with their political frustrations. Mendes expressed, "If I lived in a red state, I couldn’t do it. But California does feel insulated." This perspective indicates some are clinging to hope within their communities, even as they contemplate their potential migration.
A common thread among these celebrities is the acknowledgment of their privilege: many Americans do not have the luxury of being able to vocalize their plans to leave; everyday citizens face genuine hardships under the current administration. Perhaps most emblematic of this struggle is Goldberg, who remains resolute; she declares, "I’m still not going to say his name—that's not going to change anything." Even as the political climate shifts, many continue to wrestle with their identities amid dissatisfaction with the government.
Language used by some of these stars emphasizes their emotional distress and disappointment. Cher cautioned, "I almost got an ulcer the last time; this time I will leave." Such statements highlight how deeply the political winds have affected their state of mind. For these celebrities, moving abroad is not just about physical distance but symbolizes seeking relief from the psychological stress of being associated with their country during such tumultuous times.
The migration isn’t solely about physical relocation as many are eager to carve out spaces where they feel their values align closer to their daily lives. While sharing emotional victories with friends across the Atlantic, the stars hope to inspire others to prioritize mental health and well-being by escaping the heavy political climate.
Despite the current wave of celebrity exiles considering significant relocations, not all Hollywood figures seem eager to follow suit. Figures like Dwayne Johnson and others have spoken to staying and fighting for change from within the system, acknowledging the importance of maintaining engagement with their community and advocating for reform.
Even with varied responses to Trump’s recent election, one factor remains consistent: this moment has sparked action among many individuals who feel their home no longer reflects their beliefs, leading to conversations about the very fabric of American societal values.
The aftermath of this election has created ripples extending far beyond just political debate; it is significantly reshaping how public figures engage with their identities and the environment around them. More than just celebrity gossip, this upheaval invites discussions on privilege, mental health, and the future of cultural and political engagement.
