Kristen Stewart has revealed she is contemplating leaving the United States because of what she describes as President Donald Trump’s “terrifying” effect on the entertainment industry. The actress and director expressed concerns about her ability to work freely in the US, highlighting challenges faced due to the political climate.
Kristen Stewart Reflects on Career and Political Challenges
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kristen Stewart began her acting career at age 12, starring alongside Jodie Foster in the thriller Panic Room. She rose to prominence for her role as Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga and later for portraying Diana, Princess of Wales, in the 2021 drama Spencer. Recently, Stewart has shifted her focus to directing, currently promoting her first film as a director, The Chronology of Water. This biographical drama features Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch, a character who discovers her identity through writing and swimming.
Despite this new career direction, Stewart, now 35, said she is increasingly uneasy about her future as a filmmaker in the United States. In a recent interview with The Times UK, she stated that the current political atmosphere has made it difficult to work without constraints at home.
Impact of Trump’s Policies on Film Industry Freedom
Stewart described the challenges her latest film faced, noting that shooting The Chronology of Water in the US would have been impractical, leading her to film in Latvia instead. She referenced last year’s announcement from Trump about a proposed 100% tariff on movies made outside the US, which he characterized as a national security risk. Although that tariff threat did not come to fruition, Stewart described such policies as “terrifying” for filmmakers.
She added,
“Reality is breaking completely under Trump.”
In response, she encouraged taking inspiration from Trump’s approach to shape a better reality for the future.
Considering a Move Abroad to Maintain Creative Freedom
Asked about her thoughts on possibly living outside the US, Stewart—who divides her time between Los Angeles and New York—indicated she is open to relocation.
“I can’t work freely [in the U.S.], but I don’t want to give up completely. I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people,”
she declared, reflecting frustration with the domestic industry environment.
Women’s Experiences in the Film Industry
Stewart emphasized the importance of telling stories from a woman’s perspective in her work. She pointed out the significance of history in defining a person’s place in society and how the rewriting of history aligns with progress toward equality.
Discussing the difference between acting and directing roles, Stewart noted,
“Actresses get treated like s***, I’ve got to tell you. People think anyone could be an actress, but the first time I sat down to talk about my movie as a director, I thought,
Wow, this is a different experience, they are talking to me like I’m somebody with a brain
,”
she explained.
She added that the myth of directors having “otherworldly abilities” is largely a male-driven misconception, and highlighted the harsher treatment female actors face compared to their male counterparts. Stewart praised Imogen Poots for the total commitment she gave to Stewart’s directorial project.
Past Public Clashes with Donald Trump
The actress’s current concerns come against the backdrop of a tumultuous history with Donald Trump. In 2012, Trump publicly criticized Stewart on Twitter after a scandal involving her then-boyfriend Robert Pattinson and her Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders, who was married at that time. Trump tweeted disparaging remarks, urging Pattinson not to forgive Stewart.
Looking back on Trump’s remarks, Stewart called the outburst “insane” and said,
“He was mad at me a couple years ago, really obsessed with me a couple years ago, which is f***ing crazy. What? I can’t even understand it. I literally cannot even understand it. It’s such far-out concept that I don’t want to believe that actually is happening. It’s insane.”
She recalled that Trump was then primarily known as a reality star, not the politician he became.
“At that point, he was just, like, a reality star. I had no reference. It wasn’t like really a thing. But in retrospect, somebody reminded me of that and I was like, Oh my gosh, you’re right!.”
Stewart also mocked Trump during her 2017 hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, reading out some of his tweets and joking,
“Donald, if you didn’t like me then, you’re probably really not going to like me now because I’m hosting SNL and I’m, like, so gay, dude.”
Personal Life and Industry Moves During Political Years
Kristen Stewart married her wife Dylan Meyer last year in a small ceremony at a Mexican restaurant, marking six years together. Her comments about potentially leaving the US resonate with a wave of entertainers who have relocated abroad during Trump’s presidency to escape political tensions. Notable stars who have moved include director James Cameron, actresses Robin Wright, Ellen DeGeneres with Portia de Rossi, and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Shift to Ireland and Political Reasons
Rosie O’Donnell confirmed in the past year that she moved to Ireland with her 12-year-old child, Clay, and was in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship. She hinted that the political climate in the US influenced her decision.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know,”
O’Donnell said.
After facing criticism from Trump, she remained defiant, jokingly telling him,
“I’m good. I’m sage here in Ireland…I’m out of the reach of the Tangerine Mussolini.”
Wider Cultural Impact and What Lies Ahead
Kristen Stewart’s public ambivalence about her future in the US reflects broader unease within the entertainment industry amid political pressures and restrictions. The suggested tariffs on international filmmaking and the growing polarization within the country may push more creatives to seek opportunities overseas.
Her plans to continue making films in Europe while challenging American audiences with those stories suggest a resistance to giving in to these limitations. Stewart’s candidness also highlights ongoing issues of gender inequality in Hollywood, especially the different experiences of actresses versus directors.
As Stewart continues to develop her voice behind the camera, her stance and potential relocation could influence other artists navigating similar obstacles. The evolving relationship between politics and art in America remains tense and uncertain, with many watching to see whether more figures like Stewart will follow suit in leaving or reshaping the industry from abroad.
