All the Celebrities Who Fled the US After Trump Was Elected President
The election of Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States in 2016 sparked a wave of reactions across the country—and for many celebrities, it was a moment that prompted them to leave the U.S. in search of greener pastures. As the political climate grew more polarized and tensions soared, some stars took to social media to express their discontent and announced plans to relocate abroad. While not all of them followed through with their promises, several celebrities did make moves to other countries following Trump’s election. Here’s a look at some of the most notable names who considered or actually followed through on their promise to leave the U.S.
- Chelsea Handler
Comedian and talk-show host Chelsea Handler was one of the most vocal celebrities against Trump’s presidency. She tweeted in 2016 that she would move to another country if Trump won, and true to her word, Handler did spend significant time in other parts of the world. In 2017, she even took a break from her career and moved to Spain for several months, a decision she explained as a way to focus on her personal growth and explore a different perspective.
- Lena Dunham
The “Girls” creator and actress was another celebrity who publicly stated that she would leave the U.S. if Trump became president. Though Lena Dunham didn’t permanently move abroad, she did spend a lot of time in the U.K. post-election, particularly in London, where she sought refuge from the political turmoil back home. Dunham has since remained outspoken about her disapproval of Trump’s policies. - Raven-Symoné
Actress and TV personality Raven-Symoné famously declared she would leave the country if Trump won the presidency. While she did not follow through with a permanent relocation, she did joke about moving to Canada on multiple occasions. Still, Raven-Symoné’s post-election comments reflected her discomfort with the political landscape and the direction the country was heading under Trump.
- Jon Stewart
Comedian Jon Stewart, who was a major voice of dissent during the Bush and early Obama years, made waves when he jokingly said he would leave the U.S. if Trump won. In interviews, he even discussed the possibility of relocating to places like New Zealand. While Stewart didn’t follow through with an international move, he did take a break from his usual public appearances to recalibrate and focus on projects that aligned with his political values.
- Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, always known for her outspoken views, had a strong reaction to Trump’s election. She made a public vow to leave the U.S. if Trump won, but like many others, she didn’t actually follow through on her promise. However, Cyrus remained vocal against Trump throughout his presidency, using her platform to encourage political change and activism.
- Bryan Cranston
The “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston also made headlines during the election when he said that he would consider leaving the U.S. if Trump won, citing fears about the future of the country. Although Cranston didn’t relocate permanently, he continued to voice his concerns over the Trump administration’s policies throughout his presidency.
While not all of these celebrities actually left the U.S. permanently, their comments reflect the widespread anxiety and frustration many felt after Trump’s election. Whether in protest, as a form of self-care, or to escape the political climate, their decisions highlight the intersection of politics, personal lives, and the impact that national leadership can have on individuals—celebrities included.
