A new report by Newsweek reveals that the number of Americans planning to leave the country—dubbed “Trumpugees”—continues to climb, with the LGBTQ+ community leading the trend amid political polarization and legal uncertainty.
At a Glance
- The emigration trend is accelerating, particularly among LGBTQ+ Americans.
- Companies that assist U.S. residents in relocating abroad report major upticks in inquiries.
- Dual citizenship is increasingly sought as a hedge against political volatility.
- This mirrors a similar spike in exit interest following Trump’s 2016 election.
- Analysts warn that rising disillusionment could trigger long-term demographic shifts.
What’s Fueling the Exodus
According to Newsweek, interest in emigrating is growing especially among marginalized groups who perceive increased legal and cultural threats in the current political climate. Relocation consultancies report surging demand for help securing foreign residency or citizenship, particularly in countries like Canada, Portugal, and New Zealand.
A companion article explains why dual citizenship is becoming the new American dream, with many Americans treating it as both a practical and symbolic escape hatch.
Watch a report: Americans Eye Moving to Europe Because of Trump
Historical Echoes and New Dimensions
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has seen a spike in outbound interest. After the 2016 election, a similar trend was reported, as seen in Newsweek’s earlier analysis. However, today’s movement appears to be larger and more organized, with legal firms and visa specialists responding to growing fears of instability or rights erosion.
Experts caution that mass departures—especially if they include high-skilled professionals—could eventually strain the U.S. workforce and tax base. While most inquiries don’t lead to immediate emigration, the rising intent itself signals a shift in how Americans perceive their own country’s future.
What Comes Next
Whether this surge in planning becomes a full-scale migration will depend on upcoming political events and the accessibility of exit routes. But the data suggests that a growing number of Americans no longer see the United States as a place where they can thrive—prompting them to look elsewhere for freedom, stability, and opportunity.
