Celebrity 'Donald Dashers' Fleeing U.S. Amid Trump Fears: Fact or Fantasy?
A small group of celebrities, dubbed ‘Donald Dashers,’ are leaving the U.S. for the U.K. and New Zealand, driven by fears of a Trump presidency, but data suggests their fears may be overblown.
Recent reports highlight a trend among some American celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, who are seeking citizenship in the U.K. and New Zealand, driven by fears of a potential second term for former President Donald Trump. Dubbed ‘Donald Dashers,’ these individuals are part of a group of 6,100 Americans who have applied for U.K. citizenship, marking a 26% increase from the previous year and a record high in two decades. However, critics argue that their exodus is more a product of fantasy than reality.
While these celebrities may be fleeing what they perceive as an ‘unlivable’ America under Trump, the actual migration data paints a different picture. According to the Census Bureau’s 2023 State-to-State Migration Flows report, California saw a net loss of 268,052 residents, with many moving to states like Texas and Florida. Texas, in particular, gained 133,372 residents, with 93,970 coming from California alone. This migration trend suggests that Americans are more concerned with economic opportunities and quality of life than with political fears.
Economic indicators further challenge the narrative of the ‘Donald Dashers.’ In 2024, California’s private sector job growth was a mere 0.8%, while New York’s was slightly better at 1.4%. In contrast, Texas saw a robust 2.1% growth in private payrolls, highlighting the economic vitality of states often associated with Trump’s policies. This data underscores that people are moving towards opportunity, not away from a perceived political threat.
Moreover, Trump’s net job approval has remained positive since his inauguration, with nearly half the country supporting him. This suggests that the fear driving the ‘Donald Dashers’ is not widely shared among the American populace. Critics argue that these celebrities are living in a delusion, possibly influenced by media narratives rather than the reality of life in Trump’s America.
As the ‘Donald Dashers’ seek refuge abroad, millions of Americans are voting with their feet, moving from blue to red states in search of better economic prospects and freedoms. The exodus of these celebrities may make headlines, but it remains a boutique rebellion, unreflective of the broader American experience.