When Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidential election in 2016, many celebrities expressed their disappointment and frustration. Some even vowed to leave the country if he won. However, years later, many of these stars remain in the U.S. While some made lighthearted comments, others genuinely considered moving. In this article, we’ll look at which celebrities promised to leave and whether they followed through with their plans after Trump’s victory.
Samuel L. Jackson: A Joke Turned Serious?
In December 2015, actor Samuel L. Jackson made a joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live, saying he might move to South Africa if Donald Trump became president. He later clarified that it was just a joke, stating, “When you learn the difference between My Actual Opinion & A Kimmel Skit… Maybe we can talk.” Despite his strong opposition to Trump, Jackson stayed in the U.S., continuing to work on major projects like Marvel films and Broadway shows.
Bryan Cranston: Moving to Canada?
“Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston made headlines in late 2016 when he said he would “definitely move” to Vancouver, Canada, if Trump won. After Trump’s victory, Cranston seemed to soften his stance. He tweeted his shock but also expressed hope that Trump could unite the country. Cranston remained in the U.S., continuing his career while supporting Democratic candidates.
Whoopi Goldberg: No Plans to Leave
Whoopi Goldberg was another celebrity who hinted at leaving the U.S. if Trump won. She said, “Maybe it’s time for me to move” before the election. However, after Trump’s win, she clarified that she had no plans to leave. In 2024, when Trump claimed Goldberg would move to Canada if he won re-election, she responded, “I’m not going anywhere… I’ve got a contract, so I’ll be here where I’m wanted.”
Cher: A Move to Jupiter?
In 2015, Cher joked that she would move to Jupiter if Trump became president. Though she didn’t leave the U.S. after Trump’s win, the singer admitted that his presidency caused her significant stress. In 2023, Cher stated that if Trump returned to power, she might indeed consider leaving. However, as of now, Cher remains in the U.S., despite her challenges with the political climate.
Raven-Symoné: Ticket to Canada
Raven-Symoné, known for her role on The Cosby Show and That’s So Raven, said in 2016 that she had already bought a ticket to Canada if Trump won. While it seemed like a serious promise, she has stayed in the U.S. and continues her career. Raven-Symoné has since clarified that she was frustrated, but moving wasn’t part of her reality.
Miley Cyrus: A Change of Heart
Miley Cyrus made headlines in 2016 for saying she would move out of the country if Trump became president. After Trump’s win, she admitted that her comments were “dumb” and “ignorant,” and staying in the U.S. was important to her. Miley has been vocal about her political beliefs and continues to live in the U.S.
Lena Dunham: A Joke About Canada
Lena Dunham, the creator of Girls, made a bold statement in 2016, saying she was “100 percent” serious about moving to Canada if Trump won. However, she never left and remains a prominent voice in American politics and advocacy. In a later Instagram post, she explained that her comments were made in jest, showing her willingness to stay and continue fighting for change.
Amy Schumer: A Not-So-Serious Move to Spain
Comedian Amy Schumer jokingly said she might move to Spain or another country if Trump were elected. After the election, Schumer clarified that her comments were not serious and that she had no plans to leave. She continues to use her platform to address social and political issues, including her opposition to Trump.
Many celebrities who promised to leave the U.S. if Trump won the election have since stayed in the country. While their frustrations with his presidency were clear, most of them chose to continue living and working in the U.S. Instead of leaving, they have remained vocal, using their platforms to push for change and advocate for their beliefs.
FAQs
- Did Samuel L. Jackson really move to South Africa after Trump’s win? No, Samuel L. Jackson never moved to South Africa. He clarified that his comments were part of a joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
- Is Bryan Cranston living in Canada? No, Bryan Cranston did not move to Canada. He expressed shock after Trump’s win but remained in the U.S.
- Did Whoopi Goldberg leave the U.S. after Trump won? No, Whoopi Goldberg did not leave. She clarified that she was staying in the U.S., despite her earlier comments.
- Did Miley Cyrus leave the U.S. after Trump’s victory? No, Miley Cyrus stayed in the U.S. and later admitted her comments about leaving were “dumb” and “ignorant.”
- Is Amy Schumer living in Spain? No, Amy Schumer is still living in the U.S. and clarified that her comments about moving to Spain were made in jest.
