Why Ellen DeGeneres Moved to the U.K. Because of Donald Trump

 The Defining Moment

Ellen DeGeneres, one of television’s most recognizable faces, has always been candid about her personal life and beliefs. But her recent revelation has shocked fans around the world. On July 20, 2025, during a live conversation in Cheltenham, England, Ellen confirmed that Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024 was the turning point that made her permanently relocate to the United Kingdom.

Ellen recalled waking up the morning after the U.S. election to a flood of messages from friends and family, most of them filled with crying emojis. “I knew exactly what that meant — Trump got back in,” she explained. At that moment, she told Portia de Rossi, her wife, that they weren’t just visiting England anymore; they were staying for good. With a smile, she added, “Everything here is just better,” a line that quickly made headlines and resonated with many of her fans.

From a Part-Time Escape to a New Home

Initially, the move to England wasn’t meant to be permanent. Ellen and Portia had purchased a countryside property in the picturesque Cotswolds, planning to spend only a few months each year enjoying the quiet charm of rural England. But the political climate in the U.S., combined with their desire for a slower pace of life, made the decision to stay an easy one.

By November 2024, the couple had made a clean break. They sold one of their luxury estates in California and fully committed to their new home in the English countryside. Ellen admits it was a drastic shift, but one that brought her a sense of peace and freedom she hadn’t felt in years.

“Life here feels lighter,” she said. “People are polite, conversations are friendlier, and there’s a sense of calm that we never experienced back in Los Angeles.”

 Life in the Cotswolds

Ellen’s life in the Cotswolds couldn’t be more different from her Hollywood days. The couple has embraced a rural lifestyle, complete with chickens, horses, and even a brief experiment with sheep that, according to Ellen, lasted all of two weeks. “We learned quickly that we’re not exactly natural shepherds,” she joked.

The beauty of the countryside has deeply impacted her. Ellen often talks about the small, simple moments — waking up to birdsong, shopping at local farmers’ markets, or watching the seasons change. One of her favorite memories so far has been seeing snow fall on their property for the first time. After years of living in sunny California, that simple experience felt magical.

The Cotswolds also offers something Ellen has long craved — privacy. Away from the glare of paparazzi and Hollywood gossip, she and Portia can enjoy a quieter, more authentic life. “We can walk through the village, stop for a cup of tea, and not feel like every moment is being watched,” she shared.

Standing Up for LGBTQ+ Rights

While lifestyle played a major role in their decision to stay in England, Ellen also opened up about deeper concerns — particularly around LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. In recent years, she has felt uneasy about growing movements that challenge same-sex marriage and other fundamental protections.

Ellen revealed that she and Portia are even considering renewing their vows in the U.K. as a safeguard. “We want to feel secure about our marriage, no matter what changes happen back in the States,” she explained.

For Ellen, this move is also about taking a stand. She has long advocated for LGBTQ+ equality, and she’s worried that the progress made over the past two decades could be reversed. “I don’t want to live in fear or feel like I have to hide who I am. England feels like a safer, more welcoming place right now,” she said.

A New Chapter for Ellen

Since ending her daytime talk show in 2022, Ellen has been reflecting on what comes next. The final years of her show were marked by controversy, with allegations of a toxic workplace environment making headlines. Addressing these criticisms, Ellen admitted that the way her show ended was painful. “I’m not mean, I’m just honest and direct,” she said. “But the narrative took on a life of its own.”

Living in the U.K. has given her the chance to reset. While she’s not planning to bring back her talk show, Ellen hinted that new projects are on the horizon — ones that will allow her to connect with audiences in a more personal and meaningful way. She has already started performing live conversations and events, something she hopes to continue across the U.K.

“I still have so much I want to do, but I want to do it differently,” she explained. “I want to focus on things that bring joy — not just to others, but to myself as well.”

Conclusion

Ellen DeGeneres’ permanent move to the U.K. isn’t just about escaping politics or seeking a quieter life. It’s about rediscovering happiness, protecting her relationship, and embracing a lifestyle that aligns with her values. Whether she’s caring for her animals, speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights, or planning her next creative venture, Ellen is proving that change, even when it’s bold and unexpected, can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.