Following Donald Trump’s victory in the November 5, 2024 election, a number of high-profile Hollywood personalities have publicly voiced their plans to leave the United States. They cite various political, social, and personal issues that they believe have worsened since the election result.
These celebrities express dissatisfaction with the country’s trajectory, highlighting concerns about policies they feel endanger reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ safeguards, environmental norms, and gun control regulations.
Among those voicing intentions to relocate is singer/actress Cher, who expressed her discontent, saying, “I almost got an ulcer the last time,” referring to health problems she attributes to prior political stress. “If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave [the country].”
Actress Sharon Stone has expressed her consideration of “buying a house in Italy,” noting it’s the first time she’s seen a candidate run on what she perceives as “a platform of hate and oppression.”
Reports suggest that America Ferrera is planning to leave the U.S. in the wake of Trump’s win. At the age of 40, she is reportedly contemplating starting anew in the UK with her husband, Ryan Piers Williams, and their two children, six-year-old Sebastian and four-year-old Lucia. A source states that Ferrera, recognized for her role in “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” seeks a better environment for her children.
Among those expressing similar relocation intentions is Barbara Streisand, who has mentioned England as her preferred destination. Other notable names in the entertainment industry sharing these sentiments include John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Amy Schumer, Bruce Springsteen, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Adding to the reactions to the political landscape are performers Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. Actress Christina Applegate has also opened up about her family’s emotional response to recent political events.
Besides the current wave of celebrities declaring their plan to leave the U.S. post the 2024 Trump election win, a similar pattern was observed in 2016. Several stars expressed similar plans, which they didn’t follow through on. Prominent figures from that period include Miley Cyrus, who initially planned to move but later called for unity post-election; Amy Schumer, who mentioned Spain as her prospective residence; and Samuel L. Jackson, who named South Africa as his potential destination if Trump won.
Others, such as musician Tommy Lee, pledged to return to his birthplace, Greece, while Bruce Springsteen suggested Australia as a potential refuge. However, despite these declarations, none of these celebrities ultimately left the U.S., leading some observers to characterize these statements as mere rhetoric.