"I feel like I've lost my country": Americans who oppose Trump are now looking for the exits

Salon - May 18th, 2025
Open on Salon

In light of President Donald Trump's reelection and the current political climate, a growing number of Americans, including Yale University professors Marci Shore and Timothy Snyder, are choosing to leave the United States. Shore, alongside other academics and expatriates, cites concerns over increasing political instability, threats to educational and civil institutions, and potential authoritarian measures as key motivators for their departure. Immigration consultants and lawyers report a noticeable rise in serious inquiries and active planning for emigration, with destinations such as Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand gaining popularity.

This trend highlights a broader sense of disillusionment and fear among some Americans who feel the country's future is uncertain under Trump's leadership. The implications of this increase in expatriation interest reflect concerns over civil liberties, societal division, and potential political and economic repercussions. As Trump's administration continues to implement controversial policies, the decision to leave underscores a significant shift in perception among certain demographics, who are seeking stability and safety abroad rather than in their homeland.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a timely and engaging narrative about Americans considering emigration due to political dissatisfaction, particularly in the wake of President Trump's re-election. It effectively uses personal stories to illustrate broader trends, capturing readers' attention and prompting reflection on important issues. However, the article's impact is somewhat limited by a lack of comprehensive data and balanced perspectives, which could lead readers to question the reliability of the claims. While it highlights significant public interest topics, such as political polarization and social unrest, the absence of detailed evidence and authoritative sources diminishes its potential to drive policy changes or societal shifts. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness and sparking discussion but would benefit from a more robust and balanced presentation of information.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article presents a narrative about Americans leaving the country due to dissatisfaction with President Trump’s policies, but it lacks comprehensive data to support these claims. While it references anecdotal evidence and some statistical insights, such as increased interest in expatriation and specific numbers of visa applications, these figures are not extensively verified within the article itself. For instance, the claim about a 60% rise in Irish passport applications and increased interest in other countries could be true, but the article does not provide sources or detailed figures to substantiate these claims. Additionally, the article mentions fears of martial law and other drastic political actions without clear evidence or sources that confirm these events are likely or have been publicly discussed by credible entities.

5
Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of individuals who are critical of President Trump and his administration, focusing on those who are choosing to leave the U.S. due to political dissatisfaction. This creates an imbalance, as it does not provide viewpoints from those who support Trump’s policies or those who have chosen to stay despite political disagreements. The inclusion of perspectives from immigration lawyers and consultants does add some balance, but these are still largely aligned with the narrative of leaving the U.S. due to political reasons. There is a lack of counterbalance from individuals or experts who might argue against the necessity or rationale for such drastic actions.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively uses personal stories to illustrate the broader trend it discusses, which helps to engage readers and convey the emotional impact of the issues at hand. However, the article could benefit from a more organized presentation of its data and claims, as the narrative sometimes jumps between individual stories and broader trends without clear transitions. The tone is neutral, but the lack of detailed evidence for some claims might leave readers with questions about the reliability of the information presented.

6
Source quality

The article cites various individuals, including professors, immigration consultants, and expatriation experts, which adds to its credibility. However, it does not clearly attribute many of the statistics or broader claims to specific studies or reports, which would enhance the reliability of the information presented. The reliance on anecdotal evidence from individuals like Marci Shore and Margaret provides personal insight but lacks the authoritative backing of more comprehensive studies or official data. The absence of direct quotes or citations from governmental or academic sources to support the broader claims about emigration trends and political impacts is a limitation.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context for the claims it makes, particularly through personal stories and expert opinions. However, it lacks transparency in terms of methodology and the basis for its statistics and broader claims. The article does not disclose how it gathered its information or the criteria for selecting the individuals and experts cited. Additionally, there is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect the perspectives of those interviewed, such as the business interests of expatriation consultants who might benefit from increased emigration.

Sources

  1. https://harveylawcorporation.com/why-more-americans-are-leaving-the-us/
  2. https://clancymoving.com/blog/2025/april/moving-statistics-and-trends-for-2025-what-to-expect-this-year/
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0otHsEIMaxs
  4. https://newrepublic.com/article/191421/trump-emigration-wave-brain-drain
  5. https://nearshoreamericas.com/survey-shows-americans-want-to-leave/