And just like that, Donald Trump has secured another term in the White House, leaving Hollywood’s liberal elite utterly aghast. Yes, the same Hollywood that loves to make grand promises about fleeing the country whenever the election doesn’t go their way. But here we are again, and—surprise!—no moving trucks have been spotted outside Cher or Barbra Streisand’s mansions just yet.
For years, celebrities have insisted that Trump’s America just isn’t for them. Take Cher, who, in an interview with The Guardian, dramatically declared, “If he gets in, who knows? This time I will leave [the country].” It’s enough to make you wonder: Cher, need a hand with your bags?
Then there’s Streisand, who told Stephen Colbert she’d “probably move to England” if Trump ever returned to office. The thought of Streisand hosting garden parties across the pond is nice, isn’t it? And yet, despite these heartfelt vows, neither Streisand nor Cher’s publicists seem to be fielding questions about imminent departures just yet.
Sharon Stone, the Basic Instinct and Casino star, even said she’s “considering a house in Italy.” Why? Well, according to her, Trump represents “a platform of hate and oppression.” But as election night came and went, Stone has been pretty quiet about any plans to say arrivederci to the U.S.
It seems like every election, Hollywood goes through this ritual. Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, summed it up perfectly: “Every four years, you hear the same recycled rhetoric from celebrities. It’s ‘all talk, no walk.’” Eldridge isn’t wrong. In 2016, stars like Whoopi Goldberg, Miley Cyrus, and Amy Schumer swore they’d pack up if Trump won. Fast-forward to today, and wouldn’t you know it—they’re still here.
Hollywood stars may despise Trump, but he doesn’t seem to mind one bit. Unlike Democratic presidents, Trump isn’t interested in placating Tinseltown’s elite; he’s focused on the working class, the people Hollywood often forgets. The irony is almost too rich: celebrities threaten to leave because Trump “doesn’t care about them”—and yet, they still won’t go.
Only time will tell if Cher, Streisand, Stone, or any of Hollywood’s Trump-fleeing contingent will finally follow through. But let’s be honest, folks: we’re not holding our breath. And if they do finally book those tickets? Well, let’s just say we won’t be shedding too many tears.