By Jane Nwandibe
Entertainment Deputy Editor
Popular American TV personality Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that the turbulent political climate during Donald Trump’s presidency played a major role in her decision to leave the United States and resettle in the United Kingdom.
Speaking in a recent interview, DeGeneres opened up about her unexpected move across the Atlantic, saying it was not merely a lifestyle choice but a deeply personal decision influenced by what she described as “a growing sense of disillusionment” with the political and social direction of the U.S. under Trump’s administration.
“Trump’s presidency changed a lot of things — not just in politics, but in the everyday atmosphere of America,” DeGeneres said. “There was so much division, so much anger, and I felt it was time to step away, to find peace and perspective elsewhere.”
The former Ellen DeGeneres Show host, who ended her long-running talk show in 2022, said she and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, initially planned to take a brief break in Europe after wrapping up the show. However, the visit turned into a more permanent stay, with the couple eventually deciding to purchase property and settle in the UK countryside.
DeGeneres emphasized that her move wasn’t driven by fear or defeat, but rather a conscious effort to protect her mental health and rediscover joy away from the toxic media climate and political chaos she felt engulfed the U.S. during the Trump years.
“Living in America started to feel like walking on eggshells. Everything was political, and I was exhausted. The UK gave me space — and oddly enough, a sense of safety I hadn’t felt in years,” she explained.
Though now enjoying a quieter life abroad, DeGeneres remains politically active, using her platform to advocate for equality, climate action, and mental wellness. She also hinted at new projects in development, including a podcast and a charity initiative that will launch from her new UK base.
“I haven’t retired from life. I’ve just shifted locations — and mindsets,” she said.
While her departure from the American spotlight surprised many fans, DeGeneres’s candid admission has reignited conversations around the broader impact of political leadership on personal freedoms, public figures, and even cultural icons.
As for whether she’ll ever return to live in the U.S., Ellen was noncommittal: “Never say never. But for now, we’re staying here.”
