Ellen DeGeneres flees to the UK after Trump’s re-election

Ellen DeGeneres, a former American talk show host and comedian, relocated to the United Kingdom from the United States in November 2024, shortly after the re-election of President Donald Trump. Alongside her wife, Portia de Rossi, DeGeneres initially planned to spend only part of the year in a newly purchased home situated in the Cotswolds. However, the couple decided to make the move permanent, citing their disappointment and concerns surrounding the political climate in the U.S. as motivations for their relocation. DeGeneres expressed feelings of sadness regarding the divisive political atmosphere in America, especially in terms of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. In a public appearance, she indicated that she felt much more at home in England, which she discovered to have a charming and simpler lifestyle compared to the U.S. In addition to her personal contentment, DeGeneres remarked on the kinder treatment of animals and the politeness of people in the UK, amplifying her preference for this new phase of her life. As part of her new life, she and de Rossi have embraced a rural lifestyle that includes caring for chickens and other animals on their farm. DeGeneres addressed the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights back in America, highlighting concerns over measures taken by the Southern Baptist Church aiming to reverse gay marriage legalization. She indicated the possibility of renewing their vows in the UK if the situation in the U.S. takes a turn for the worse regarding these rights. The couple's change in residence also followed an end to The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 due to allegations surrounding a toxic work environment that contributed to the show's cancellation. While she acknowledged her direct personality may have contributed to her public perception, DeGeneres also expressed that she remains devoted to advocating for equal rights and compassion for all individuals without regard to their gender or sexuality. Overall, Ellen DeGeneres's decision to relocate has not only been influenced by political developments but has also fostered a sense of peace and belonging in the English countryside, allowing her to seek fulfillment outside the politicized and challenging environment of Hollywood. It marks a significant pivot from the typical career and public life she once navigated, emphasizing a new chapter focused on personal happiness and advocacy.