Steve Bannon criticizes Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi for fleeing to the Cotswolds

Following the U.S. presidential election, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia De Rossi made a significant lifestyle change by relocating to the Cotswolds in England. This decision was motivated by their discontent with the election's outcome, particularly Trump's victory, leading them to express a desire to leave America altogether. DeGeneres, at 66 years old, and De Rossi, aged 51, purchased a luxury farmhouse, which includes six bedrooms and four bathrooms, along with a helicopter pad and swimming pool. They acquired their new home as a retreat, hoping to escape the political climate back home. However, shortly after their move, the area experienced severe flooding due to a tributary of the River Thames overflowing after a period of heavy rain and strong winds. This flooding severely affected their new property, leaving the couple almost marooned shortly after relocating. Steve Bannon, a former White House chief strategist and ally of Donald Trump, publicly criticized DeGeneres and De Rossi for their move. He characterized their relocation as an act of 'whining like little children' and accused them of 'infesting the Cotswolds.' Bannon stated that the couple had the advantages stemming from state power while they were in America and proclaimed that their complaints showed a lack of resilience in the face of adversity. Bannon's remarks come at a time when he forecasted that Trump's policies could keep the MAGA movement in power for the next 50 years, suggesting that the political landscape in the U.S. will be dominated by such ideologies for the foreseeable future, especially if Trump delivers on his economic promises. Meanwhile, the Cotswolds are known for their picturesque, quiet countryside, a stark contrast to DeGeneres and De Rossi's previous life in California. The couple's choice reflects their dissatisfaction with American politics and their desire for a serene lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle. Despite the flooding that marred their move, DeGeneres and De Rossi's investment in the Cotswolds is more than a mere escape; it represents a symbolic rebuke to the political environment in the United States. The couple has not only sought refuge in nature but also highlighted their political stance through their actions. Their relocation has sparked dialogue around the reactions of celebrities to political events, showcasing the intersection between fame, personal choice, and political dissent.