Legendary singer and actor Barbra Streisand has made it abundantly clear: if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, she plans to leave the United States. This isn’t the first time Streisand has voiced her strong opinions on Trump. She previously criticized him in her song “Don’t Lie to Me,” and recently reinforced her stance during an interview with Stephen Colbert. “I can’t live in this country if he becomes president,” she said, describing Trump as “so stupid” and “ill-informed.”
Streisand, who is now 81, has made similar statements in the past. She had also suggested leaving after Trump won the 2016 election, though she never followed through. Like Streisand, other celebrities had also vowed to leave the country but stayed put.
Known for her strong Democratic ties, Streisand’s disdain for Trump is evident. She’s labeled him “the Liar in Chief, the Groper in Chief,” and has been vocal about her political beliefs for years. In 2018, she released her 36th album, “Walls,” which was inspired by the political climate under Trump.
Discussing the album with the Associated Press, Streisand shared, “I wanted to talk about the things that were making me feel so sad, heartbroken.” The album includes tracks like “Don’t Lie to Me,” which she said was motivated by the constant stream of “craziness” and misinformation.
Spurred by her need to express her feelings about the state of the nation, Streisand added, “I just can’t stand what’s going on. His assault on our democracy, our institutions, our founders – I think we’re in a fight…We’re in a war for the soul of America.”
She further elaborates on why she remains politically engaged in her memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” released in 2023. “Why does it make so many people angry when artists speak out?” Streisand asked. “Artists can serve as a country’s conscience. Their work reflects the times, and sometimes they challenge us to see what others would prefer to ignore. They give voice to the voiceless by speaking up.”
“That’s why art is the enemy of tyrants and dictators,” she concluded. Despite her efforts, Streisand admits that her influence couldn’t sway the election results.
Ahead of the 2016 elections, Streisand told the Australian version of 60 Minutes that she might move to Australia or Canada if Trump won. She wasn’t alone in her sentiment; other celebrities like George Lopez, Chelsea Handler, and Jon Stewart made similar statements about leaving the U.S. if Trump was elected.
In the years following Trump’s victory, Streisand has continued to voice her opinions loudly. Praising Joe Biden during a 2021 interview with People magazine, she said, “the country is certainly headed in the right direction.” Streisand praised Biden’s “compassion, honesty, and integrity.”
She expounded further in an essay for Variety, writing, “Since 2016, we’ve been dragged down into the mud of Trump’s swamp. He has demolished our standing in the world with his laughable boasts and breathtaking ignorance.”
Restore Nobility of Truth
With the 2024 election in sight, Streisand remains apprehensive about Trump’s potential return to power. Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, she reaffirmed her previous statement: “I can’t live in this country if he becomes president.” She mentioned she might consider moving to England, adding, “I like England.”
In her essay, Streisand wrote, “Trump is a man who has never once taken responsibility for his own actions, preferring to blame others when he’s at fault. Even impeachment hasn’t humbled him.” She emphasized the need for a new America “without pollution, without obscenities, without insults, without revenge. We need to restore the nobility of truth…and only then will America be great again.”
If she ultimately decides to make good on her promise to leave, Streisand might need to act quickly; there’s talk among Republicans of building a wall along the Canadian border.
What do you think about celebrities using their platforms to speak out on important issues? Feel free to share your thoughts on this and spread the conversation!
