Hollywood Celebrities Consider Moving Abroad Post-Trump Reelection
About a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, some celebrities are making good on their promises to leave the United States. In a recent interview with The Times, actress Kristen Stewart, known for her role in “Twilight,” spoke about her intention to eventually relocate overseas, especially after Trump threatened tariffs on films produced abroad.
“Reality is completely breaking down under the Trump administration,” she stated. “But we need to take a page from his book and create the reality we want to live in.” Although Stewart hasn’t left yet, she mentioned that she “probably has no intention” of staying in the U.S., indicating that she feels limited in her ability to work freely here.
Stewart’s remarks came shortly after director James Cameron, famous for “Avatar” and “Titanic,” announced his decision to move to New Zealand. He has been living there since before the 2024 presidential election and plans to become a citizen in 2025, citing political factors in his choice. “I’m not there for the views. I’m there for my sanity,” Cameron explained, comparing New Zealand’s pandemic response favorably to that of the U.S. under Trump.
He pointed out the stark difference: “It’s either a place where you really believe in science and you’re sane and you can work together toward a common goal, or…you’re basically in total chaos if there’s another pandemic.”
Former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres also mentioned that Trump’s reelection was a significant reason why she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have chosen to stay in the U.K. since their emigration in 2024. DeGeneres recalled arriving the day before the election and waking up to stark messages from friends expressing their dismay, which solidified their decision to remain.
Rosie O’Donnell is another well-known celebrity who emigrated after Trump’s reelection, choosing to move to Ireland and apply for citizenship. “I never thought I’d move to another country, but I decided it was what was best for me and my 12-year-old,” she shared on TikTok.
It’s worth noting that while several celebrities have left or considered leaving, they often cite various reasons unrelated to Trump or his policies. Insider opinions suggest that his return to power has had a chilling effect on the film industry, creating a sense of unease.
In August, actress Robin Wright described leaving the United States as “liberating” and remarked on the frantic pace and competitiveness of American life. “America is a show,” she concluded.
Actors Richard Gere and Eva Longoria have also moved abroad but pointed to different motivations. Notably, celebrities like Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Sharon Stone have vowed to leave after Trump’s reelection but have yet to do so.
