In the wake of Donald Trump's second term as president, a number of celebrities have moved out of the United States, fulfilling previous promises made during the politically tumultuous times leading up to the 2024 election.Their motivations primarily revolve around dissatisfaction with the political climate under Trump's administration.Actress Kristen Stewart highlighted her intent to leave the US due to the constraints placed on her ability to work.She expressed her concerns about Trump's policies, particularly regarding tariffs on films produced outside the United States, stating, "Reality is breaking completely under Trump" and indicating that she feels she "can't work freely" in America.
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yahoo.comAlthough she has not yet relocated, her comments reflect a broader sentiment among celebrities who feel disillusioned with the current political environment.Director James Cameron, known for iconic films like "Avatar" and "Titanic," has already made the move to New Zealand, citing the country's more favorable handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor in his decision.Cameron emphasized his preference for a country that "actually believes in science" and where citizens can work together for a common goal, contrasting it with the divisive atmosphere in the US under Trump.
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yahoo.comEllen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, are among those who have already relocated, opting to settle in the UK Their decision came shortly after Trump's re-election, with reports indicating that they purchased property in the Cotswolds prior to the election, driven by a sense of disillusionment with the political situation in the US.
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newsweek.comComedian Rosie O'Donnell has also made headlines for her decision to move to Ireland, where she is seeking citizenship, citing concerns for her nonbinary child as a key reason for her relocation.O'Donnell stated that she never thought she would leave the US but felt it was necessary for her family's well-being due to the current political climate.
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businessinsider.comOther celebrities have expressed intentions to leave but have not yet followed through.For example, actress and producer America Ferrera has been reported to be looking at schools in the UK for her children, reflecting her desire to relocate amid political dissatisfaction.
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scmp.comSimilarly, Eva Longoria mentioned plans to split her time between Spain and Mexico, although she has insisted that her move is not political.
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scmp.comDespite the visible actions of some celebrities, others who initially vowed to leave after Trump's re-election, such as Barbra Streisand and Cher, have yet to do so.Streisand previously stated on "The Late Show" with Stephen Colbert that she "can't live in" the US should Trump win, indicating a potential move to England, yet she remains in the US for now.
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newsweek.comCher has similarly expressed distress at the prospect of another Trump administration, saying, "If he gets in, who knows?This time I will leave [the country]".
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newsweek.comThe trend of celebrities leaving the country due to political climate is not entirely new.Many stars voiced their discontent during Trump's first campaign, with some threatening to relocate if he won.However, the current wave of relocations seems more pronounced, with a notable increase in Americans seeking citizenship in other countries, particularly the UK, following the election results.
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theguardian.comThe political landscape in the United States has prompted a noticeable shift among the wealthy and famous.While not all celebrities have acted on their promises to leave, those who have made the move underscore a significant political statement in response to Trump's administration.As they seek to find solace and stability abroad, these celebrities reflect a growing dissent among Americans who feel compelled to seek new beginnings outside of the US under Trump's leadership.
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yahoo.comtheguardian.comWhile the actions of these celebrities may not resonate with every American, they highlight a critical dialogue about the current state of the nation and the challenges many face in the wake of political upheaval.As the landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how many more will follow in their footsteps, potentially reshaping the narrative of celebrity activism in the political realm.
