By Isha - Nov 21, 2024
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi announce plans to leave the United States following Donald Trump's reelection in 2024. Citing concerns over the political climate and values misalignment, the couple, known for their advocacy of progressive causes, expressed a need for a new beginning abroad. Potential relocation to Australia, de Rossi's birthplace, is suggested by sources close to the couple.
Portia de Rossi, left, and Ellen DeGeneres via AP Images
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Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have announced they are leaving the United States following the reelection of former President Donald Trump in 2024. The couple, known for their high-profile relationship and DeGeneres’ long-running daytime talk show, shared their decision with fans and the media, citing Trump’s victory as the final catalyst for their move abroad. The news came as a shock to many, given Ellen’s prominent role in American television and her previous public support for progressive causes. However, DeGeneres and de Rossi have long been vocal about their political views, and the outcome of the 2024 presidential election pushed them to reevaluate their future in the country.
In an emotional statement on social media, Ellen and Portia explained that while they had always loved America, the reelection of Donald Trump signaled a shift in the country that they could no longer ignore. The couple expressed concerns over the divisive political climate, the erosion of democratic values, and the rollback of progressive policies they had supported for years. For DeGeneres, who had used her platform to promote kindness, inclusivity, and equality, Trump’s victory represented a fundamental setback to the values she held dear. “We have always fought for a world of love, acceptance, and equality,” de Rossi stated. “Unfortunately, the environment here has become one that no longer aligns with our values.”
“This isn’t just about politics; it’s about what kind of country we want to live in,” DeGeneres wrote in her post. “We’ve spent so much of our lives trying to make America a better place, but the direction it is heading is no longer a place we can call home. It’s time for us to seek a new future in a country where we feel we can live authentically and peacefully.” Portia de Rossi echoed Ellen’s sentiments, adding that the decision was not made lightly but was necessary for their mental well-being and the future they envision. the couple also cited the rise of hate speech, misinformation, and the deepening political divides that have plagued the nation in recent years. “It’s become clear that our vision of what America should be and the reality of what it is now are no longer in sync,” DeGeneres said. “We need a change of scenery, a fresh start.”
While DeGeneres and de Rossi had long expressed dissatisfaction with certain political developments in the United States, the reelection of Donald Trump in 2024 marked a tipping point. Trump’s presidency had already been a divisive force, but his second term was marked by further polarization, contentious policies, and an atmosphere of political unrest that many found intolerable. For the couple, who had used their celebrity status to support progressive causes, Trump’s reelection signaled a nation increasingly at odds with the principles of tolerance and social justice that they championed. The couple did not specify exactly where they planned to relocate, but sources close to them hinted at a move to Australia, where Portia de Rossi was born. The two have previously enjoyed their time in Australia, and it has long been a favorite destination for vacations.