15+ Celebrities Who Left The Country After The 2024 Election: The Full Exodus List

The trend of high-profile departures from the United States has reached a fever pitch, especially in the wake of the 2024 presidential election. As of December 10, 2025, a significant number of A-list actors, comedians, and media personalities have either finalized their move abroad or secured dual citizenship as a contingency plan, dramatically reshaping the cultural landscape of Hollywood and beyond. This wave of celebrity emigration is not merely a search for a new vacation home; it represents a deep-seated political and social dissent, with many stars publicly citing the current political climate as the primary motivation for seeking residency overseas.

This unprecedented exodus involves some of the biggest names in entertainment, leading to intense speculation about the future of the American cultural elite and where they are choosing to establish their new bases. From the tranquil countryside of the UK to the sunny shores of Spain, the destinations chosen by these stars are as varied as their reasons, but the central theme remains a quest for a more stable and agreeable environment. This comprehensive list details the confirmed moves, the destinations, and the underlying motivations driving these notable departures.

The New Hollywood Exodus: Who Has Left and Where They Went

The list of celebrities leaving the US or making definitive plans to do so is extensive, with many choosing European countries for their political stability, healthcare systems, and perceived social tolerance. The trend, often dubbed the "Hollywood Exodus," is a clear sign that political concerns are now a major factor in the lifestyle and residency choices of the entertainment industry's elite.

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• Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi: Perhaps the most high-profile departure, the married couple has officially relocated to the United Kingdom. They recently put their final remaining US property up for sale, signaling a permanent move. Their decision is widely reported as a direct response to the political shift in the US.
• Rosie O'Donnell: The comedian and actress made a decisive move, relocating to Ireland. O'Donnell has been vocal about her reasons, specifically citing the need to protect her "queer kid" and concerns over political threats and the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights in the US.
• Eva Longoria: The actress and producer is among the confirmed departures, having quit the US in the wake of the political changes. Her new base is reportedly in Europe, though a specific location is often kept private.
• Sophie Turner: The Game of Thrones star, known for her strong political views, has also reportedly fled the United States, seeking a new home abroad. The specific location is not always confirmed, but the move is tied to her political dissent.
• Richard Gere: The veteran actor relocated to Spain with his family. While his move predates the immediate post-2024 election wave, it is often cited as a precedent for Hollywood stars seeking "serenity" and a better quality of life abroad.
• Robin Wright: The House of Cards actress is another notable name who has left the U.S. for a life overseas, often citing a desire for a different, more private lifestyle away from the Hollywood spotlight.
• Gabriel Macht: The Suits star and his family have also chosen to live abroad, joining the growing number of actors seeking a more low-key existence outside of the American media machine.

The trend shows that for many, the cost of staying—whether financial, emotional, or political—now outweighs the benefits of living in the US. This mass emigration trend is unprecedented in recent history, reflecting a deep ideological divide.

The Driving Forces Behind Celebrity Relocation

While the immediate trigger for many of the 2025 departures was the outcome of the US elections, the underlying motivations for celebrities seeking foreign residency are complex and multifaceted. The reasons extend beyond simple political protest and delve into issues of personal security, taxation, and a search for a perceived higher quality of life.

Political Dissent and Social Climate

The most frequently cited reason for the recent wave of high-profile departures is the current political climate and the direction of the country. Many stars, including Bruce Springsteen and Chelsea Handler, have publicly expressed serious concerns about a second term for President Trump, leading them to actively explore or finalize plans for foreign residency. The fear of chipping away at civil liberties, especially for marginalized groups, is a central theme in their decision-making process.

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The desire to live in a country where social policies align more closely with their progressive values has driven many to look toward countries in Western Europe. The political landscape in the United States is seen by many in the entertainment industry as increasingly hostile and unpredictable, prompting a search for greater stability.

The Search for Serenity and Privacy

Beyond politics, the relentless media scrutiny and lack of privacy in the US, particularly in hubs like Los Angeles and New York, are significant factors. For some celebrities, such as Lindsay Lohan, who relocated to Dubai and now splits time with her family in various locations abroad, the move was primarily about escaping the invasive paparazzi culture and finding a more peaceful environment. This search for "serenity" is a common secondary motivation for the Hollywood elite.

Financial and Tax Incentives

While often downplayed in public statements, the financial implications of international residency are a powerful, silent motivator. Countries like the UK, Spain, and even places like Dubai or Monaco offer different tax structures that can be highly advantageous for high-net-worth individuals. The intricate web of US tax laws, particularly for those with significant global income, makes the process of renouncing citizenship or simply establishing foreign tax residency an attractive proposition for some. This strategic financial planning is a key component of the overall emigration trend.

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Citizenship and Contingency Plans: The Stars Securing Dual Passports

Not every celebrity who feels unease about the US political situation has packed their bags and left entirely. A growing number of stars are securing dual citizenship or alternative residency permits as a "Plan B." This strategy allows them to maintain their professional lives in the US while securing a legal escape route should the political or social environment deteriorate further. This is a crucial distinction from a full relocation, representing a strategic hedge against uncertainty.

• Jimmy Kimmel: The late-night host has taken a notable step by securing Italian citizenship. While he has not relocated, having a European Union passport provides a significant safety net and freedom of movement across the continent, an action that speaks volumes about his long-term concerns regarding the US.
• Angelina Jolie: The Oscar-winning actress is reportedly considering a permanent move outside the US and has been looking to sell her significant Los Angeles property. Her potential relocation is a major signal to the industry of the seriousness of the emigration trend among the A-list.
• Jonathan Van Ness: The Queer Eye star, known for their activism, has been outspoken about their concerns and has been exploring options for living outside the US, highlighting the anxiety felt by many in the LGBTQ+ community.

The acquisition of second passports by the Hollywood elite underscores a deep-seated lack of confidence in the future political direction of the United States. Whether it's a full move to the UK or a contingency plan via Italian citizenship, the message is clear: the global mobility of the wealthy and famous is being leveraged as a form of political protest and personal security. This trend is likely to continue as more high-profile individuals follow the path set by Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, and others, leading to a permanent shift in where the world’s most recognized entertainers call home. The long-term impact on the US entertainment industry—from production centers to cultural influence—remains to be seen.