In the aftermath of Donald Trump‘s unexpected victory in the 2016 presidential election, a wave of celebrities publicly declared their intention to leave the United States if he became president. This controversial statement sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans and critics alike waiting for these stars to make good on their promises. However, many years later, several of these high-profile figures remain in the U.S., while a few have actually followed through with their plans. Here’s a look at what happened to these celebrities, who were once ready to leave, but ended up staying or making different decisions.
The Bold Vows: Celebrities Who Threatened to Leave the U.S.
Barbra Streisand, Cher, Ellen DeGeneres, Sharon Stone, Raven-Symoné, America Ferrera, Minnie Driver, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cardi B all publicly threatened to leave the U.S. should Trump win the presidency. Their statements were often met with both support and criticism, as the political climate in the country seemed to drive many stars to consider alternative living arrangements.
For some, their plans to move were part of a broader political statement, while for others, it seemed to be a knee-jerk reaction to the election results. The boldness of these public declarations only added to the tension surrounding the election and, in many cases, heightened the scrutiny of their personal choices in the aftermath of Trump’s win.
Barbra Streisand: Still in the U.S.
One of the most vocal celebrities who vowed to leave the U.S. if Trump became president was legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand. She publicly stated that she would move to England, making her discontent with the election results clear. However, as time passed, Streisand not only remained in the U.S. but continued her work, notably making holiday donations and focusing on charitable causes. Streisand and her husband, James Brolin, even sent out a holiday card with a message of togetherness and peace, further proving that she had no plans to leave the country anytime soon.
Streisand’s decision to stay was viewed by some as a change of heart, while others considered it a natural progression of her ongoing activism. While her political views remain firmly critical of Trump, Streisand has continued to use her platform to support various causes within the U.S.
Cher: No Move to Jupiter
Another prominent figure who threatened to leave was pop icon Cher. Known for her outspoken views, Cher famously declared that she would leave the country if Trump won. She even jokingly mentioned moving to Jupiter. However, despite her fiery rhetoric during the election, Cher is still living in the U.S. and remains politically active, especially when it comes to advocating against Trump’s policies.
Cher has been involved in various charitable efforts and has shown no signs of leaving the country. While she may have initially felt the urge to move, it appears that Cher has found a way to remain in the U.S. while continuing her advocacy work.
Ellen DeGeneres: A Different Kind of Exit
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, were among the celebrities who announced their plans to leave the U.S. following Trump’s election. The couple had already purchased a property in the U.K. and were reportedly ready to start a new chapter abroad. However, in the years since, DeGeneres has not only remained in the U.S. but has also focused on personal projects, including her gardening.
Despite selling their Montecito home and spending significant time in the English countryside, DeGeneres and de Rossi have not fully severed their ties to the U.S. Instead, they’ve created a life that blends both countries, with the U.K. serving as a retreat rather than a permanent move.
Sharon Stone: Italy or Bust?
Actress Sharon Stone also made headlines with her vow to move to Italy if Trump won. Stone, who has been outspoken about her political beliefs, expressed her dissatisfaction with the political climate in the U.S. and her desire for a more peaceful environment. Yet, like many of her peers, she has yet to make the move.
In fact, Stone’s focus on her personal life and career has been just as American as ever, with the actress recently making waves in Hollywood and even sparking romance rumors with Kevin Costner. While she may have been serious about her intentions at the time, it seems that the allure of Italy wasn’t enough to pull her away from the limelight in the U.S.
Raven-Symoné: A Ticket to Canada
Raven-Symoné, the former child star, was one of the more vocal celebrities who announced plans to leave the U.S. should Trump win. During an appearance on “The View,” she revealed that she had already purchased a ticket to Canada. Despite her bold statements, Raven-Symoné has yet to make her move north.
Her personal and professional life has remained largely focused in the U.S., where she continues to make public appearances and share her thoughts on various topics. It appears that Raven-Symoné’s desire to leave was more of a fleeting moment rather than a genuine intention to relocate.
America Ferrera: No Clear Plan
America Ferrera, an actress known for her role in Ugly Betty, also expressed her displeasure with Trump’s election. She was reported to be considering a move to the U.K., seeking a better environment for her children. However, like many others, Ferrera’s plans have not come to fruition, and she has remained in the U.S.
Ferrera has continued her advocacy work, focusing on social issues and using her platform to support marginalized communities. It appears that Ferrera has found ways to be an influential voice within the U.S. without needing to leave.
Minnie Driver: Heading Back to the U.K.
Unlike many others, Minnie Driver has made steps toward returning to the U.K. Driver, who has spent over 30 years in California, has expressed dissatisfaction with the political discourse in the U.S. She has stated that the political climate in the U.K. feels more optimistic, leading her to make plans to return to her home country.
While she has yet to fully relocate, Driver’s comments suggest that she might be more serious than most about following through on her plans. This makes her one of the few celebrities who has actively pursued a move abroad, though it remains to be seen when or if it will happen.
Whoopi Goldberg: Thoughts on Leaving
Whoopi Goldberg has frequently mentioned her desire to leave the U.S., especially given her ability to do so financially. On “The View,” she often jokes about the possibility of leaving, though she has not made any concrete plans to do so. Her remarks have mostly been in passing, and she continues to host the talk show from New York.
Goldberg has not made any serious moves to leave the U.S., instead choosing to stay and use her platform to speak on political issues. Her comments remain a mix of humor and frustration, reflecting the sentiments of many who feel disillusioned with the current state of the nation.
Cardi B: Still Here
Cardi B, the outspoken rapper, also teased the idea of leaving the U.S. following Trump’s election. However, despite her public statements, Cardi B remains in the U.S., living her life and continuing her career. Recently, she was spotted celebrating her estranged husband Offset’s birthday at a Miami club, proving that she has not followed through with her departure.
Her comments about leaving were part of a broader expression of frustration with the political system, but like many others, Cardi B has found ways to voice her opinions from within the country rather than leaving it altogether.
The Controversy: Empty Threats or Political Statements?
One of the most controversial aspects of these celebrity declarations is whether they were genuine threats or simply political statements meant to spark conversation. While some celebrities may have been serious about leaving, others seem to have used the idea of relocating as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction with the election results. Regardless of their intentions, many of these celebrities have chosen to remain in the U.S., much to the surprise of their followers.
Public Reactions on Twitter
- @johnnyrocks88: “These celebs make it sound like moving to another country will fix the problem. Just vote and stay here. #Hypocrisy”
- @sarahbowers: “Barbra Streisand swore she’d leave if Trump won, but she’s still here. Did anyone expect anything different? #EmptyPromises”
- @popcornandchill: “I can’t take Cher seriously anymore. You’re still in the U.S. after all that talk. #FakeNews”
- @politicalMav: “Ellen bought a house in the U.K., but is still here? What’s the deal? #MixedSignals”
- @moviebuff123: “Sharon Stone was all talk about Italy, but now she’s flirting with Kevin Costner. What a joke! #GetYourPrioritiesStraight”
- @TrueReality: “Whoopi and Cardi both wanted to leave the U.S. but ended up staying. Clearly, no one takes them seriously anymore. #AllTalk”
In conclusion, the celebrities who threatened to leave the U.S. following Trump’s win have all had different paths since making their bold statements. While some have found ways to stay involved in political discourse, others have made plans to leave but ultimately remained in the U.S. Whether these moves were genuine or just an expression of frustration, they have left a lasting impact on the public’s perception of these stars. The controversy over their decisions continues to spark debate, as fans and critics alike wonder if these public figures will ever truly follow through on their promises.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.