Did Ellen DeGeneres truly leave America for good—or is her UK escape turning into a temporary retreat?
Sources suggest the beloved host may be reconsidering her overseas life, and what’s driving her decision could reveal more about celebrity, politics, and the pull of home than meets the eye.
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, initially relocated to the UK about a year ago, hoping to escape the Trump presidency and enjoy a quieter life in the Cotswolds. Ellen praised the area as beautiful and charming,
noting the friendly locals, stunning scenery, and better treatment of animals. The couple even kept chickens, sheep, and horses on their estate.
However, recent reports indicate they’ve been spending increasing time back in the U.S. According to a source who spoke with the Daily Mail, the couple finds British winters challenging and misses friends in California. During Trump’s presidency, Ellen had been firm about staying in the UK, expressing concerns about the political climate and social issues such as potential threats to gay marriage.
Ellen has now told friends that they plan to return to the U.S., particularly for the holidays, citing a need for warmth and familiarity. The couple sold their 43-acre Oxfordshire estate for £22.5 million and moved to a hilltop mansion with space for their horses. At the time, DeGeneres had explained that Trump’s election made her reluctant to stay in the U.S., fearing the direction of national politics and social policies.
Her move abroad also followed her departure from a successful daytime show amid allegations of a toxic workplace, reflecting both professional and personal concerns about the country’s social climate. While their initial intention was to live in the UK permanently, it now appears that California—and the comfort of home—may be calling them back sooner than planned.
Conclusion
Ellen and Portia’s journey highlights the delicate balance between personal values, political concerns, and the comfort of home. What began as an intentional escape has evolved into a nuanced navigation between overseas retreat and returning to familiar surroundings, showing that even celebrities are drawn back by the enduring pull of home, family, and familiarity.