In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory in the November presidential election, a new trend has emerged among many noted stars and celebrities: leaving the country.

The most recent was pop legend Britney Spears, who recently announced via Instagram that she would be moving to Mexico. Granted, Spears did not cite Trump as the inciting incident that led her to take these actions; instead, she accused the ravenous paparazzi of inspiring her to leave the country. But she is merely the latest trend that has heated up in the past month in unprecedented ways. 

Considering Trump’s rhetoric toward many liberal-leaning public figures and his recent announcements regarding the kinds of leniency he’ll be providing to any individuals or companies who donate significant funding to his White House. Unsurprisingly, so many of these celebrities have opted to get out before his inauguration.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi grabbed the most headlines for their departure, which was reportedly Trump-related. TMZ quoted a source who said the power couple were “very disillusioned” by the election’s outcome and promptly decided “to get the hell out.” The pair had bought a home in the Cotswolds in October. 

Eva Longoria

Last month, it was reported that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria also left the country due to Trump’s win. However, the actor later clarified that her work had already taken her abroad years before the election. 

Nowadays, the Texas native splits her time between Spain and Mexico with her husband, Mexican producer José Bastón, and their six-year-old son, Santiago. “I’m privileged,” Longoria said in Marie Claire’s November cover story.

“I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.” The Flamin’ Hot director told the outlet that the pandemic cemented that “the vibe was different” in the US of A and that it was time for her to leave. “Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to shit on California—it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now,” she said.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera is reportedly leaving her namesake, instead migrating to the UK. “She is devastated that Kamala lost. She thought the country she lived in was better than that,” a source told the Daily Mail. “She will continue to have a presence in the US for work purposes and to fight for Latinas and women, but she will be overseas for family and to benefit her kids’ education.” The Barbie actor was seen scoping out a private school in London last month.

Richard Gere

In April, Richard Gere revealed he was moving to his wife’s native Spain. “For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I’ve never lived full-time outside the United States,” the actor told Vanity Fair. He officially severed ties with his home country last month, selling his Connecticut home for $10.75 million. 

“[My wife] was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it’s only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers,” he told the outlet. “[Spain] is a beautiful place, the food is extraordinary, and the people exude sensitivity and generosity, as well as a strong will to laugh and enjoy. So I’m looking forward to going there.” Although his reasons for moving were familial, Gere also mentioned Trump, who he referred to as “very crazy” in the interview.

Conclusion

Another trend among this slew of celebrities fleeing for international waters is a reluctance to openly say precisely why they are leaving. Many of them were outright in saying they would leave the country if Trump won before the election, but in a post-election America, saying so would only further net them extended grief from Trump and his acolytes. 

Regardless of their reasons, it becomes clear that many stars and starlets have little interest in staying in the USA for Trump’s second term.