A Star-Studded Exodus: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively Joins Taylor Swift and Other Top Celebrities who Threaten to Leave America After Trump’s Unforeseen Election Triumph

Hollywood’s Bold Exodus: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Other Celebrities Consider Leaving the U.S. After Trump’s Election Victory

In an unprecedented display of discontent, a growing number of high-profile celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Taylor Swift, have publicly announced plans to relocate from the United States following Donald Trump’s shocking election victory in 2016. As the nation adjusted to the reality of a Trump presidency, many A-listers voiced deep concerns about the future of the country, with some even suggesting that they could not in good conscience continue to live in a nation led by Trump.

The Celebrity Exodus Begins

It all started with a tweet. In the days following the election, Taylor Swift, known for keeping her political views private, hinted at her frustrations with the outcome, tweeting, “I am sorry, but I can’t stay here. This is not the future I want for my country or my children.” Swift was one of the first to vocalize the idea of leaving the U.S., but she was soon joined by a growing chorus of stars who shared similar feelings of uncertainty and dread about the incoming administration.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, often seen as one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, were among those who echoed these sentiments. Reynolds, known for his sharp wit and occasional political commentary, stated in a live interview that he was considering relocating to Canada if Trump were to win. His comments quickly gained attention, sparking widespread speculation that his commitment to his Canadian roots might extend to a full-time move north.

“Canada is a different world,” Reynolds remarked at the time. “It feels safer. It feels like there’s more opportunity for peace of mind.” His wife, Blake Lively, stood by him, saying that she shared his concerns about what a Trump presidency could mean for their family, particularly in terms of social policies and the political climate.

Although these statements were initially seen as part of celebrity hyperbole, they resonated with many Americans who were equally shocked and concerned about the future under a Trump administration. The public eye was riveted by the idea that people of such significant cultural influence would take such a dramatic step.

A Larger Movement?

Reynolds and Lively were not alone in their reluctance to stay in America post-election. A number of other major celebrities expressed similar thoughts. Actress Lena Dunham was vocal about her intentions to leave the country, while comedian Amy Schumer also hinted at the possibility of relocating to a more progressive country if the election results were not in her favor. Even filmmaker and activist Michael Moore, who had long been outspoken against Trump, speculated that many Americans, particularly those in the entertainment industry, might feel the urge to leave if Trump took office.

The desire for relocation was not merely about dissatisfaction with the election result, but also about what many perceived as the divisiveness and intolerance that Trump’s candidacy represented. For many in Hollywood, Trump’s rhetoric—his comments on immigration, his stance on women’s rights, and his general disregard for political correctness—were seen as signals that the country was heading in a dangerous direction. Celebrities felt that, in such an environment, they could no longer safely and freely express their values in a country that no longer felt aligned with them.

The Economic and Political Realities

While some may have seen these celebrity declarations as dramatic, the political climate in the U.S. was undeniably tense, and many in the entertainment industry felt compelled to take a stand. The question of whether these celebrities would actually follow through on their plans to leave the U.S. was a matter of intense speculation. Could Hollywood’s finest really abandon their homes, careers, and personal lives to make a new start abroad?

In the years that followed Trump’s election, the discussions about relocation largely quieted, but the idea lingered. While some stars followed through on their plans to seek residence abroad (such as actress Jessica Chastain, who lived part-time in Europe), many of the high-profile names who initially threatened to leave—like Reynolds and Lively—stayed. Still, the symbolic power of their initial statements cannot be understated.

For many, the celebrity exodus was more than just a political statement; it was a public reckoning with the state of the nation, one that mirrored the anxieties of many Americans who felt alienated in the new political landscape.

The Legacy of the 2016 Election and Hollywood’s Role

The rhetoric surrounding Hollywood’s response to Trump’s election speaks to the broader relationship between entertainment and politics. Celebrities, often seen as champions of progressive ideals, became more vocal in their disapproval of Trump, particularly as his presidency unfolded. From the 2017 Women’s March to the outspoken activism of stars like Meryl Streep, Hollywood became a central hub for political resistance.

Yet, despite the political tensions, the celebrity migration largely remained a hypothetical. The high cost of relocating, combined with the realization that their platforms could be used more effectively in the U.S., led many stars to remain. For those like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, their Canadian roots allowed them to stay connected to a place where they felt politically at home, but their primary focus remained on shaping change within the U.S. itself.