Summary:

A Guardian article published on March 20, 2025, explores how a rising number of American celebrities are considering or following through with relocation abroad, citing concerns over the political direction of the United States.

The piece highlights a renewed trend among public figures in entertainment, music, and media who are either moving out of the country, acquiring foreign citizenship, or spending more time living abroad. While many celebrities made similar declarations around the time of the 2016 election cycle, this time, according to the article, a growing number are taking concrete steps, including buying homes overseas, relocating their families, or initiating residency and citizenship processes.

Among the celebrities mentioned:

• Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, who have spent extended time overseas and hinted at long-term relocation;
  
• Bruce Springsteen, Jonathan Van Ness, and Chelsea Handler, all of whom have expressed serious concerns about living in the U.S. under another Trump presidency;
  
• Rosie O’Donnell, who cited concern for her nonbinary child and is seeking Irish citizenship;
  
• Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who have already relocated to Britain and listed their last U.S. property for sale.

These moves are part of a broader trend, with a 40% increase in Americans applying for British citizenship, according to the article. As of recent estimates, more than 9 million Americans live abroad, with that number continuing to rise, especially among professionals, retirees, and politically motivated movers. 

The article draws attention to dual citizenship trends and interest in countries like Portugal, Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland, which are seen as offering more social stability, privacy, and better healthcare or education options. The report also notes that some celebrities are motivated by a desire to shield their families from the social and political divisions intensifying in the U.S. 

The article suggests that this high-profile emigration mirrors the concerns of many non-famous Americans, particularly those with the financial means to relocate in response to political developments. The article does, however, note that celebrities are often in materially different positions than their everyday counterparts. Entertainment industry sources report that international filming and touring schedules often provide celebrities a unique path to dual residency or long-term stays. The celebrities noted in the article are also financially liberated individuals with both the resources and ability to make these international moves.

Original Article Link: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/mar/20/celebrities-leaving-us-trump
Source: The Guardian
Date: March 20, 2025