Ellen moved to the UK, said the US under Trump was “too much”

Ellen left U.S. after Trump won

Ellen DeGeneres said she and Portia de Rossi moved to the UK the morning after Donald Trump won re-election in November 2024. They arrived in England one day before the vote and woke up to messages from friends filled with crying emojis.

Ellen said she knew from the texts that Trump had won. Speaking at an event in Cheltenham on July 20, 2025, Ellen confirmed they decided to stay in the UK right then. When asked by Richard Bacon if Trump’s win was the reason, Ellen replied yes without hesitation.

Settling into life in the Cotswolds

Now living in the Cotswolds, Ellen says the countryside is beautiful. She mentioned how charming the villages, architecture, and simple lifestyle are. Everything feels more peaceful compared to the busy life they left behind.

Ellen said she and Portia first thought the home would be part-time. But after the election, it became permanent. They were touched by how polite people were and how clean and safe the place felt. She loves the slower pace and the way animals are treated in the UK.

Sharing her country life online

Since moving, Ellen has been sharing fun updates online. She posted about chickens, runaway sheep, and Portia flying her horses over to the UK. These glimpses show how she’s enjoying rural life.

Though she lived in Hollywood for years, she’s embracing this new chapter. The posts make it clear she enjoys the animals and quiet. She even joked that she likes her chickens but is getting a little bored. It’s a major lifestyle change from the high-speed world of showbiz.

Concerns over U.S. politics

Ellen said U.S. politics pushed her away. She talked about threats to same-sex marriage and the church’s efforts to reverse it. As a married lesbian couple, she and Portia took it seriously.

She said they are even thinking about getting married again in the UK if the laws change back home. Ellen has long spoken out about equality, and this move shows how strongly she feels. For her, it wasn’t just about peace and beauty, it was also about personal rights and safety.

Younger generation offers hope

Despite the challenges, Ellen said young people give her hope. She believes they’re more open and don’t feel the same fear. They’re teaching older generations to be more accepting.

Ellen said today’s youth are more fluid and comfortable with who they are. She thinks the next generation will change things for the better. For someone who once broke barriers herself, she’s now looking to younger people to lead the way toward more openness and kindness.

Her talk show’s tough ending

Ellen’s talk show ended in 2022 after 19 seasons. The final years were filled with problems, including claims of a toxic workplace. This hurt her image and left her sad.

She said people started calling her “mean,” even though she sees herself as kind and direct. She didn’t want to sound like a victim, but the criticism still affects her. She admitted the way it ended was “unpleasant” and not what she had hoped for after so many successful years.

Still feeling the pain of criticism

Ellen said public judgment still stings. She told the Cheltenham crowd that she hates that people think she’s unkind. It hurts because she knows she’s a caring person. Being labeled “mean” made her question how she could explain herself.

She didn’t want to complain, but the backlash left a lasting impact. Despite the pain, she’s trying to move forward. Now, she’s thinking about what her next steps might be in this new phase of her life.

Open to a show in the UK

Ellen said she’d like to host a new talk show in the UK. She told Richard Bacon she still enjoys doing what she did for years. But she’s unsure if people still care about talk shows today. She mentioned how people now watch everything on their phones.

With so much online content, she wonders if the format works anymore. Still, she’s thinking carefully about what to do next. While the show may be different, her desire to connect with people hasn’t changed.

She’s gearing up for something new

Though her talk show is over, Ellen says she’s not done. She’s planning her next big step with care. She wants to have fun but isn’t sure what that looks like yet.

She joked that even though she likes her chickens, she’s getting a little bored. Ellen may be far from Hollywood, but she’s still thinking creatively. Her next chapter may be in England, and fans are waiting to see what she does next with her time and talents.

Her Netflix special farewell

In 2024, Ellen released a Netflix special called For Your Approval. It was part of her goodbye tour and was meant to mark her last time in the spotlight.

She told audiences during her tour that the special would be her final appearance. It was a way to wrap up her career in entertainment. After decades on stage and screen, she wanted to step away. The special was her chance to say thank you and goodbye to her fans.

Why the move was permanent

Ellen and Portia didn’t plan to move full-time. They were supposed to stay in the UK for only three or four months each year. But after the 2024 election, they changed their minds.

Trump’s second win made them want a fresh start. They quickly decided to make their UK house a permanent home. Now, they’re fully settled in England. From the snowy winter to the rolling hills, Ellen says she and Portia love the Cotswolds and plan to stay.

She’s not the only one leaving

Ellen isn’t the only star to leave California. Real estate expert Jeff Lichtenstein said other celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell are doing the same. High taxes are one reason why.

California has high income and property taxes. Selling a mansion can cost millions in taxes alone. Jeff said the super-rich are moving to places like Florida and the UK. Ellen’s choice was also smart financially, as she’s selling her U.S. homes while enjoying life abroad.

Selling off U.S. properties

After moving to the UK, Ellen started selling her homes. She listed her Montecito villa for $4.9 million and sold it for $5.2 million. It’s one of several she’s sold since 2024.

She also owns a $29 million Bel-Air mansion that hasn’t sold yet. Her goal seems to be clearing out her California properties. That move supports her plan to stay in England for the long haul. Even her real estate choices show she’s serious about leaving the U.S.

How her fortune is affected

Ellen has a reported net worth of $500 million. Moving to the UK could change how her money is taxed. Experts say she might lose U.S. benefits if she gives up citizenship. Still, Ellen is likely to be fine financially.

Downsizing and selling extra homes could help her save. Her career earnings, investments, and smart choices mean she won’t have money problems. Even with some costs or changes, Ellen is managing her wealth carefully during this big life shift.

In other news, Ellen DeGeneres gave her U.K. home tour; take a peek inside.

A new life across the pond

Ellen and Portia now live full-time in the English countryside. They’ve embraced a quiet life filled with nature, animals, and peace. After leaving behind the stress of fame, they’re starting fresh. This move wasn’t just about beauty, it was about safety, rights, and personal peace.

Ellen’s story shows that even celebrities sometimes want to escape and reset. Whether she starts a new show or enjoys her chickens, she’s beginning a bold new chapter far from Hollywood and Washington, D.C.

Curious how two public figures compare in overcoming backlash? Dive into Ellen’s Controversy vs. Meghan’s Reputation.

What do you think about Ellen trading Hollywood for the hills of England? Drop your thoughts below!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.