Lee Child reaches the end of his tether in New York

After 26 years in the United States, British author Lee Child is considering a return to the UK if Donald Trump secures a second term as president. Child's contemplation is fueled by frustrations with the bureaucratic challenges he faced while attempting to sell his Manhattan apartment, which have left him disillusioned with life in America. The complications arose when Child discovered that a previous owner had applied for a permit to install a gas dryer but never completed the work. This oversight created a bureaucratic nightmare for Child, as the permit was never signed off, leading to issues two decades later. An inspector confirmed that there was no gas connection, but the age of the permit complicated the resolution process. Child was informed that he would need to apply for a new gas permit and undergo a fresh inspection to validate the absence of the gas connection. This experience has been described as a "massive headache," prompting Child to reflect on his future in the U.S. and the potential for returning to his homeland. As the political landscape in the U.S. continues to evolve, Child's situation highlights the personal impact of bureaucratic inefficiencies and the broader implications of political leadership on expatriates considering their options.