Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have reportedly left the United States following Donald Trump's re-election, relocating to the Cotswolds in rural England. The decision marks a sharp turn for the embattled comedian, whose high-profile career faced setbacks in recent years. Sources close to the couple told The Wrap that Trump's return to the White House was a key factor in their decision to "get the hell out" of America permanently.
The couple, who have been married for 16 years, had already purchased property in England prior to the election but accelerated their plans to move following Trump's victory. The move follows the recent sale of their Montecito, California, estate. According to Fox News Digital, the sprawling property was officially sold in August.
DeGeneres has not shied away from voicing her political opinions. In September, she expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris by sharing Taylor Swift's endorsement on Instagram, adding her own jab at Trump's running mate, Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The relocation is part of what appears to be a broader trend among liberal Hollywood figures expressing frustration or anxiety about Trump's return to power. In recent interviews, several celebrities, including Cher, Sharon Stone, and Barbra Streisand, hinted at or outright declared intentions to leave the U.S. if Trump were re-elected. Streisand, speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, even speculated about moving to England, saying, "I can't live in this country if he became president."
DeGeneres, however, is the first high-profile figure to take concrete steps toward emigration. British broadcaster Piers Morgan mocked the move, tweeting sarcastically, "OMG... no!" after learning of DeGeneres and de Rossi's reported departure. His response adds to a mixed reception in the U.K., where some have welcomed the news while others remain skeptical of celebrity political statements.
DeGeneres' decision comes during a tumultuous period in her life and career. In her Netflix stand-up special, For Your Approval, released in September, she discussed being "kicked out of show business" following a 2020 scandal involving allegations of a toxic workplace environment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Warner Bros. conducted an internal investigation, and while DeGeneres apologized to her staff, the fallout ultimately led to the end of her long-running talk show.
A source close to the comedian suggested the move was about more than just politics. "Ellen and Portia want a fresh start. The last few years have been incredibly draining, and this move to England is about finding peace," the insider said.
DeGeneres' departure underscores a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among some Americans in the wake of Trump's return to power. Eva Longoria recently spoke about her "anxiety" over the election results, describing the U.S. under Trump as a "scary place." Longoria told Marie Claire she remains committed to activism but expressed concern for Americans staying behind to face policies that she believes will be damaging.
While DeGeneres' move may be viewed as symbolic, it also represents a shift in the broader cultural conversation about political divides in America. Her relocation has sparked discussions about whether celebrities, who often champion political and social causes, are abandoning their platforms in moments of political tension.
For now, DeGeneres and de Rossi are settling into their new lives in England, reportedly enjoying the quiet of the Cotswolds. The couple, known for their extensive real estate ventures, have not disclosed whether they plan to maintain any properties in the U.S. A representative for DeGeneres did not respond to requests for comment.
