Politics in the United States has always been a hot topic, but in recent years, it has driven some well-known public figures to reconsider where they call home. Since the 2016 election, several celebrities have spoken about leaving the country due to political shifts. The results of the 2024 election have reignited this trend, with some stars already making the move while others continue to weigh their options.
As it stands, search trends indicate a rising interest in moving abroad, particularly after major political events. Immigration services have also reported a significant uptick in inquiries from U.S. citizens looking to relocate. For some celebrities, these changes aren’t just talk—they’ve taken action.
Celebrities Who Have Relocated or Are Considering It
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
In November 2024, comedian Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, packed up their lives in Montecito, California, and settled in the Cotswolds, England. Sources close to the couple revealed that the recent election results influenced their decision, and they have no plans to return to the U.S.
Rosie O’Donnell

Instagram | people | Driven by political concerns, Rosie O’Donnell announced her move to Ireland with her youngest daughter via TikTok.
Rosie O’Donnell made headlines when she confirmed in a TikTok video that she had moved to Ireland with her youngest daughter. The actress and comedian shared that, while she never imagined leaving the U.S., she felt it was the best choice for her family given the current political climate. She also mentioned that she is in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, thanks to her family’s heritage.
Sophie Turner
British actress Sophie Turner, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” initially made a life in the U.S. after marrying musician Joe Jonas. The couple lived in Los Angeles and later Miami before their split in 2023.
Turner has since moved back to London, citing concerns over political issues in the U.S., including gun violence and changes to reproductive rights laws.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand has long been vocal about her political views. After the 2016 election, she expressed deep disappointment and hinted at the possibility of moving to Canada or Australia.
In a 2023 interview, she shared that she admired President Joe Biden but could not imagine staying in the country if another Trump presidency occurred. While she remains in California, she has stated that England could be her future home.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox, best known for her role in “Orange Is the New Black,” voiced her concerns about the election results and their impact on the transgender community. She revealed that she and her friends had started researching possible places to move, focusing on European and Caribbean locations. While no final decision has been made, she acknowledged feeling uneasy about remaining in the U.S., given the political landscape.
Cher

Instagram | cher | Despite not yet leaving, Cher’s 2016-rooted declaration to relocate if Trump wins again is still a potential action.
Cher’s thoughts on relocating if Donald Trump won the presidency go back to 2016. At the time, she joked about leaving the planet altogether. Before the 2024 election, she reiterated that she would leave the U.S. if Trump were reelected. As of now, she has not relocated, but her statements suggest she is still considering it.
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham previously stated that she would leave the country if Trump won in 2016, but she ultimately chose to stay and advocate for change. Years later, she relocated to London, but she has clarified that career opportunities played a major role in her move rather than political reasons alone.
A Growing Trend Among Public Figures
Celebrities have long used their platforms to voice their opinions on political matters, but recent election cycles have pushed some to take it a step further by leaving the U.S. entirely.
Whether for personal safety, ideological reasons, or frustration with policies, more public figures are choosing to live abroad. With ongoing political shifts, this trend may continue in the years ahead.