Ellen DeGeneres Left US Because of Trump
Ellen DeGeneres, 2011. Photo by Glenn Francis of under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Ellen DeGeneres made a move that sent ripples through the entertainment world and beyond. The beloved comedian and former talk show host confirmed during a public appearance in July 2025 that she had permanently relocated to the United Kingdom, and the reason behind this bold decision is none other than former President Donald Trump. This revelation adds a new chapter to the story of a star who has long been a fixture in American pop culture but now finds herself embracing a life across the Atlantic.
From Hollywood to the Cotswolds
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her sharp wit and warm charm, and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, made the move to the picturesque Cotswolds region of England in 2024. Initially, the couple planned to split their time between the US and the UK, spending a few months each year in their new home. However, the re-election of Donald Trump changed those plans dramatically. According to DeGeneres' conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon at Cheltenham's Everyman theatre, the day before the election, they arrived in the UK, only to wake up to a flood of messages from friends expressing dismay over Trump's victory. That moment sealed their decision to stay in England indefinitely, as reported by PEOPLE.
The move marked a significant shift for DeGeneres, who had been a staple of American daytime television for nearly two decades. After the end of her long-running talk show, she embarked on a final comedy tour across the US, signaling a closing of one chapter and the beginning of another far from the Hollywood spotlight.
A New Life in a Simpler Place
Ellen DeGeneres praised the English countryside and the lifestyle it offers, telling broadcaster Richard Bacon of the BBC that the area is beautiful and that she and de Rossi are enjoying the charm of the villages, the architecture, and the simpler way of life saying. The couple has embraced rural living with enthusiasm. Portia de Rossi even flew her horses to their new home, while DeGeneres has taken up caring for chickens and briefly had sheep on the property.
Beyond the natural beauty, DeGeneres highlighted cultural differences that have made the UK feel like a better fit. She said, "Everything here is just better — the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here," as reported by The Guardian. This contrast with her experiences in the US has been a key factor in her decision to stay. The couple reportedly sold their sprawling California estate for $96 million before relocating, a move that underscored their full commitment to their new life abroad.
Political Concerns and Personal Safety
While the scenic beauty and lifestyle changes are part of the story, the political climate in the US played a decisive role. DeGeneres expressed concern about the direction of American politics, particularly regarding LGBTQ rights. According to The Guardian, she referenced recent moves by the Southern Baptist Convention to oppose same-sex marriage, a development that has unsettled many in the LGBTQ community. DeGeneres and de Rossi are reportedly considering getting married again in the UK as a safeguard against potential legal reversals in the US.
This political unease, combined with the re-election of Donald Trump, was the catalyst for their permanent relocation. DeGeneres' decision reflects a broader trend among some American celebrities and public figures who have voiced discomfort with the current political environment and sought refuge elsewhere.
Facing the Past and Moving Forward
DeGeneres' move also comes in the wake of a turbulent period in her career. Her daytime talk show ended in 2022 after 19 seasons, following allegations from former employees about a toxic work environment. DeGeneres publicly apologized and acknowledged the issues, but the controversy left a mark on her public image. She told the BBC that she felt "kicked out of show business" and addressed the criticism head-on during her recent comedy tour and public appearances, as reported by The Guardian.
Despite these challenges, DeGeneres appears to be embracing her new chapter with optimism. Her reflections on life in the UK reveal a desire for peace, acceptance, and a simpler existence away from the glare of American celebrity culture. She expressed a wish for a society where people can be themselves without fear or judgment, saying, "I wish we were at a place where it was not scary for people to be who they are. I wish that we lived in a society where everybody could accept other people and their differences," according to The Guardian — a sentiment that resonates deeply in today's polarized world.
What This Means for Fans and the Future
For fans, DeGeneres' move is bittersweet. While it marks the end of an era in American television, it also opens the door to new possibilities. The comedian's choice to settle in the UK underscores the personal impact of political shifts and cultural changes on public figures. It also highlights the increasingly global nature of celebrity life, where borders are more fluid, and stars can reinvent themselves far from their original stages.
Ellen DeGeneres' story is a reminder that behind the laughter and fame, celebrities are navigating complex personal and political landscapes. Her journey from Hollywood to the Cotswolds is a tale of reinvention, resilience, and the search for a place to call home in uncertain times.
References: Ellen DeGeneres Moved to the UK Because of Donald Trump | 'Everything here is just better': Ellen DeGeneres confirms she moved to the UK because of Donald Trump | Ellen DeGeneres
