More than a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, a wave of Hollywood stars has packed their bags or voiced plans to leave the United States.
Several celebrities have either moved abroad or publicly stated their intentions to do so, with some directly citing Trump’s re-election or related policies as their motivation. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have stayed in the United Kingdom since relocating, while Rosie O’Donnell has settled in Ireland and applied for citizenship. Others, like Kristen Stewart and James Cameron, have discussed future plans or finalized moves to places like New Zealand, pointing to political or cultural reasons for their decisions.
The trend has sparked discussion about the intersection of celebrity influence and political dissatisfaction. Many Americans, regardless of their views, are watching to see if these high-profile exits signal a deeper divide. Let’s unpack who’s going where and why they say they’re leaving.
Ellen DeGeneres didn’t mince words when explaining her decision to remain in the U.K. with her wife, Portia de Rossi. In a BBC interview reported in July, she tied her choice directly to Trump’s re-election, as Fox News reports.
“We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in,’” DeGeneres said.
“And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here,’” she added. While her frustration is clear, it’s worth asking if staying abroad is a genuine protest or just a convenient escape from a country that doesn’t align with her views. Personal choice is one thing, but broadcasting it as a political statement feels like a lecture most folks don’t need.
James Cameron, the powerhouse behind “Avatar” and “Titanic,” has already made New Zealand his permanent home, becoming a legal citizen in 2025 after living there previously. He’s been vocal about politics as a driving factor, contrasting New Zealand’s approach to crises like the coronavirus with America’s handling under Trump in 2020. His reasoning carries weight, but it’s hard not to see a touch of elitism in ditching one country for another when most can’t afford such a move.
“I’m not there for scenery. I’m there for sanity,” Cameron told reporters. That jab at U.S. policy stings, but it sidesteps the reality that no nation is perfect—New Zealand included. If sanity is the goal, good luck finding it anywhere in today’s polarized world.
Kristen Stewart, meanwhile, hasn’t left yet but told *The Times* on Friday she’s likely headed out, citing Trump’s tariff threats on foreign-made films as a barrier to her creative freedom. Her frustration with working conditions in America is noted, but are tariffs really the root issue, or just a handy excuse for a broader discontent? It’s a fair question for someone still mulling over their exit.
Rosie O’Donnell confirmed in March that she relocated to Ireland, emphasizing the decision was best for her and her 12-year-old child. She’s even applied for Irish citizenship, signaling a long-term commitment. While she links the move to Trump’s re-election, her focus on family adds a relatable layer to an otherwise headline-grabbing story.
Robin Wright, in comments made in August, described her departure from the U.S. as “liberating” and criticized American culture for its relentless pace and competitiveness. Her words paint a picture of disillusionment, but they also gloss over the opportunities and freedoms that built her career here. It’s a bit rich to bite the hand that fed you while jetting off to greener pastures.
Then there are outspoken critics like Richard Gere and Eva Longoria, who’ve left the country without pinning their moves squarely on Trump or his policies. Their silence on specifics raises eyebrows—why leave if the political climate isn’t the main driver? Perhaps personal reasons outweigh public posturing, which is a refreshing change if true.
Not everyone has followed through on their vows to exit. Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Sharon Stone have all publicly promised to leave the U.S. following Trump’s re-election, yet none have made the move. Their hesitation suggests either logistical hurdles or a realization that grand statements don’t always translate to action.
For every celebrity who’s uprooted their life, there are countless Americans who stay and fight for the change they want to see, whether through voting or community work. These high-profile exits, while attention-grabbing, risk overshadowing the resilience of those who can’t—or won’t—leave. Maybe it’s time for Hollywood to focus less on dramatic farewells and more on constructive dialogue, wherever they choose to call home.