Kristen Stewart has revealed her intentions to leave the United States, joining a wave of high-profile celebrities departing the country. The actress cited political challenges and industry hurdles affecting filmmaking in the US as key reasons behind her decision, highlighting the growing trend of stars relocating internationally.
Kristen Stewart’s Reasons for Considering Life Outside the US
The 35-year-old actress and director discussed with The Times her upcoming film, The Chronology of Water, which is being shot in Latvia. Stewart explained that such a project would be impractical to complete in the US due to existing political and economic pressures on the film industry. She expressed concerns over proposed tariffs aimed at foreign film productions, connected to policies from the Trump administration.
Commenting on the impact of President Donald Trump’s governance, Stewart stated,
“Reality is breaking completely under Trump,”
illustrating the destabilizing effect she perceives. Though the tariffs remain unimplemented, she described the prospect as
“terrifying.”
Nevertheless, she urged resilience, adding,
“But we should take a page out of his book and create the reality we want to live in.”
While currently dividing her time between Los Angeles and New York, Stewart implied she would likely not remain in the US permanently, saying simply, “Probably not.”
The proposed tariffs from Trump targeted films made outside the US, with the former president asserting that the country’s movie industry had been unfairly taken by other nations. On his social media platform, Trump wrote,
“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby.’ California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit! Therefore, in order to solve this long time, never ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT.”
Despite these limitations, Stewart shared her determination to continue her creative work, remarking,
“I can’t work freely there. But I don’t want to give up completely,”
and humorously added,
“I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.”
She also reflected on her artistic approach, stating,
“It’s how I relate to the world. I’m always going, ‘How are we going to make that into a movie?’”
Angelina Jolie Considers Overseas Relocation After Divorce
Angelina Jolie, known for her role in Girl, Interrupted, is reportedly contemplating a move abroad as part of a broader celebrity exodus. Having recently placed her Los Angeles mansion on the market, sources revealed she had never intended to settle full-time in LA but remained due to the finalization of her divorce from Brad Pitt. According to insiders, Jolie plans to relocate once her children Knox and Viv reach adulthood next year, expressing eagerness to leave Los Angeles permanently.
Jolie’s historic home, previously owned by film pioneer Cecil B. DeMille and built in 1913, was purchased by her in 2017 for approximately $24.5 million. She and Pitt also held a substantial estate in France valued at around $60 million, illustrating the couple’s transatlantic ties.
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi’s Move to the UK
Comedians Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi quietly relocated to the United Kingdom’s Cotswolds region in November 2024. Reflecting on their move, DeGeneres shared with Richard Bacon that they arrived just before the midterm elections, waking up to messages about Trump’s success and deciding to remain in the UK.
She said,
“Yes. We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, ‘He got in.’ And we’re like, ‘We’re staying here.’”
An anonymous source told media outlet The Wrap that the couple would likely never return to the US. In public remarks at Cheltenham, Ellen described life in the UK as superior, highlighting that the US can be
“scary for people to be who they are.”
Courtney Love Secures UK Citizenship Amid US Concerns
The San Francisco-born musician and actress Courtney Love has firmly committed to remaining in the UK, where she is in the process of obtaining British citizenship. Speaking at the Royal Geographical Society in London, Love expressed her apprehension about the current political climate in the US, particularly referencing Trump’s inner circle as a troubling influence.
She described the scene at Mar-a-Lago as
“Emperor-core is going on at Mar-a-Lago. It’s frightening now. It’s like cyanide now.”
Additionally, she shared her enthusiasm about her new citizenship, saying,
“I’m really glad I’m here. It’s so great to live here. I’m finally getting my British citizenship in six months. I get to be a citizen. I’m applying, man! Can’t get rid of me!”
Love also praised the UK’s stronger privacy laws, a contrast with her difficult experiences in America following the death of her late husband, Kurt Cobain.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Emigration to Ireland for Equality and Safety
Comedian and television personality Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland in January 2025 with her 12-year-old adopted child, Clay, who identifies as non-binary. Her move came days before Trump’s inauguration and was motivated by concerns over equality and civil rights in the US.
On TikTok, O’Donnell expressed her hope for equal rights in America and her tentative plans to return when conditions improve, explaining,
“I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country and when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
In conversation with The New York Times, she detailed the steps she took as Trump’s reelection prospects grew more certain:
“I never thought he would win again, but I said, ‘If he does, I’m going to move,’ and my therapist said, ‘Well, let’s make a real plan.’”
She added,
“I got my passport renewed, I got Clay’s passport renewed.”
When asked if she saw any positive aspects in Trump’s leadership, her answer was firm: None.
Eva Longoria’s Transatlantic Lifestyle and Clarifications
Eva Longoria was among the first celebrities to announce leaving the US, now splitting her time between Spain and Mexico. In an interview with Marie Claire, she expressed worry about America’s future, saying,
“If he keeps his promises, it’s going to be a scary place.”
The actress elaborated,
“Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”
Later, Longoria clarified she did not leave the US due to political reasons. During a recording of The View: Behind The Table podcast, she called co-host Ana Navarro requesting,
“Will you please let them know I didn’t move out of Spain because of [Donald] Trump.”
She explained,
“I’ve been in Europe working for almost three years… That’s why I’m in Europe. I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there.”
Navarro had noted,
“But you did tell me that living in Europe had been like shutting off the noise.”
America Ferrera Explores UK Opportunities for Her Family
America Ferrera is reported to be considering a move to the United Kingdom, with sources telling the Daily Mail that she has been investigating schools in London as part of a possible relocation. Friends described her as feeling sick and devastated after Trump’s victory alongside Kamala Harris, indicating a priority on securing the best life for her children.
According to Hello! Magazine, she appeared to be focusing on south-west London, with a source stating,
“She has been checking out the local private school for her children,”
and noting she seemed very happy with what she saw during a recent open day in Barnes.
Barbra Streisand’s Resolve to Leave if Trump Is Reelected
Legendary singer and actress Barbra Streisand made her stance clear ahead of the elections, telling Stephen Colbert,
“I would move. I can’t live here under an administration like that.”
She has long criticized Donald Trump, previously stating, “I can’t bear the man!”
During her Colbert interview, she harshly described Trump as,
“He’s a man with no manners! He doesn’t see his own flaws; he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. You know? He has no humility,”
and concluded with a severe warning,
“This is a dangerous time in this nation, this republic: a man who is corrupt and indecent and is assaulting our institutions. It’s really, really frightening.”
Growing Celebrity Departure Reflects Deeper Cultural and Political Unease
Kristen Stewart’s planned exit from the US highlights a broader pattern among celebrities responding to America’s shifting political environment. Figures like Angelina Jolie, Ellen DeGeneres, Courtney Love, Rosie O’Donnell, and Eva Longoria have all contemplated or enacted moves abroad, often motivated by concerns over freedom, equality, and creative expression. This trend illustrates how the entertainment community is grappling with policies and rhetoric they perceive as restrictive or threatening.
With Stewart’s critical remarks about industry tariffs and the political climate, the challenges facing America’s filmmaking community come into sharp focus. Her move to film in Latvia and intention to work more from Europe underscore the internationalization of production born from frustration with US policies.
As several influential artists pursue opportunities outside the US, their decisions may signal ongoing cultural shifts regarding identity, safety, and opportunity. This exodus could have lasting implications for the American arts scene, influencing where future creative projects are developed and ultimately viewed.
