Since Donald Trump’s second term began, Britain has emerged as a haven for American celebrities and affluent Democrats seeking refuge from the political climate in the U.S.
Recent data from the British Home Office reveals that in the year ending March, nearly 7,000 U.S. citizens applied for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain—the highest figure since records started in 2004. Notably, one-third of these applications were submitted after Trump’s inauguration in early 2025.
High-profile figures have led the exodus. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, staunch Kamala Harris supporters, relocated to the Cotswolds, selling their Montecito properties after feeling “very disillusioned” by Trump’s victory, per TMZ. Ellen’s recent Instagram reel, captioned “English country life,” showcases her lavish estate, complete with chickens and a frolicking rabbit.
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell settled in Ireland, stating in a March TikTok video that she’ll only “consider coming back” when America is “safe for all citizens to have equal rights.” British actress Minnie Driver, prompted by Trump’s win, left Los Angeles to return to the UK. Others, including Barbra Streisand—who vowed she “can’t live in this country if [Trump] becomes president”—as well as Cher and America Ferrera, are reportedly contemplating similar moves. Lena Dunham, Ryan Gosling, and Eva Mendes also swapped the U.S. for London before Trump’s second term began.
Yet, these progressive newcomers may be in for a surprise. Britain, despite its Labour prime minister, is not the liberal utopia they might expect. The populist Reform party, led by Brexit figurehead Nigel Farage, is gaining traction, with polls suggesting 40% of Britons believe Farage could become the next prime minister. Farage, a polarizing anti-immigration figure with a Trump-like following, commands fierce loyalty.
Like Trump, Farage’s base remains unshaken by controversy. For instance, a Reform candidate from Yorkshire, exposed for saying, “Black people should get off their lazy arses and stop acting like savages,” still secured second place in a parliamentary race. Recently, a Reform advert attacking Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for allegedly prioritizing “the Pakistani community” sparked outrage but no apology.
Beyond politics, Britain’s social fabric is fraying. A car-ramming incident in Liverpool this week injured dozens celebrating a soccer victory. Last summer, the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport by Axel Rudakubana, a child of Sudanese immigrants, ignited riots. Mobs attacked mosques, and public anger surged over perceived cover-ups of issues related to unassimilated immigrants and asylum-seekers.
The influx of wealthy American expatriates has sparked a nuanced debate about immigration in Britain. While rarely acknowledged, a distinction exists between “Good Migrants” and “Bad Migrants.” In 2024, 694 boats carrying an average of 53 illegal immigrants each landed on British shores, costing taxpayers £6 million daily in hotel expenses. All parties now agree that action is needed to address illegal immigration.
Conversely, high-profile arrivals like Ellen DeGeneres, with her $18 million Cotswolds farmhouse, are warmly welcomed. Echoing Trump’s “gold card” concept for elite immigrants, the UK home secretary recently announced “provisions to qualify more swiftly that take account of the contribution people have made,” paving the way for more celebrity settlers.
While American celebrities are a boon for Britain, their vision of a progressive paradise may falter as they encounter a nation grappling with its own populist and social challenges. Their time in Britain may prove shorter than planned.
Take Control of Your Future: Why Thousands of Americans Are Embracing Self-Directed IRAs
Millions of Americans “trust” their retirement savings to one of the various companies who control their IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account. Oftentimes this “trust” is based solely on the common misconception that Americans have no other options beyond what their employers offer.
These default retirement accounts are suitable for many. Those with under $100,000 in their retirement would likely not see much of a difference if they took control of their savings. But for those with more at stake, the option of a self-directed IRA is becoming increasingly popular, especially for those who want to diversify outside of the de facto market investments favored by bulk retirement companies.
Recent data shows that over 33% of investors are now fully self-directed, a significant jump from just 21% in 2019, as people turn to alternative investments to safeguard their futures. But what exactly is a self-directed IRA, and why are thousands flocking to versions backed by gold and silver? Let’s dive in and explore how this strategy, especially when partnered with trusted providers, can empower you to build a more resilient retirement portfolio.
At its core, a self-directed IRA is a type of individual retirement account that gives you the freedom to invest in a wider array of assets beyond the traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds offered by conventional IRAs. While standard IRAs are typically managed by brokerage firms with limited options, an SDIRA puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s held by a specialized custodian that allows alternative investments, such as real estate, cryptocurrencies, private equity, and—most notably—precious metals like gold and silver.
This flexibility is a game-changer for savvy investors. Unlike traditional IRAs, where your choices are confined to Wall Street’s offerings, an SDIRA lets you diversify into tangible assets that can weather economic storms. The setup process is similar to rolling over funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA, but with the added benefit of personalized control. However, it’s crucial to work with a reputable custodian to ensure compliance with IRS rules, avoiding penalties for prohibited transactions.
The Rising Popularity of Self-Directed IRAs
Why the surge in interest? Economic factors are driving the shift. With inflation eroding purchasing power and market fluctuations making headlines, Americans are looking for stability. Ownership of gold alone stands at about 10.8% among Americans, and U.S. retail demand for physical gold has spiked 15% in the last year. Self-directed IRAs, particularly those focused on precious metals, have become increasingly popular since the 2008 financial crisis, as investors seek hedges against volatility and recession.
Thousands are embracing SDIRAs because they offer:
- Greater Diversification: Spread risk across assets that don’t correlate with the stock market.
- Tax Advantages: Like traditional IRAs, contributions may be tax-deductible, and growth is tax-deferred (or tax-free in Roth versions).
- Control and Customization: Tailor your portfolio to your expertise and risk tolerance.
- Protection Against Inflation: Alternative assets often hold value when paper currencies falter.
But among the options, gold and silver-backed SDIRAs stand out as a favorite for their timeless appeal and proven track record. According to Augusta Precious Metals, a gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that provides a way to invest in physical gold — not just paper assets. It’s a powerful way to diversify, hedge and add a stabilizing factor to retirement savings.
Why Choose a Gold and Silver-Backed Self-Directed IRA?
Precious metals have been a store of value for centuries, and in today’s uncertain world, they’re more relevant than ever. A gold or silver IRA allows you to hold physical precious metals in your retirement account, providing a tangible hedge against economic downturns.
Here’s why thousands are favoring this approach:
- Hedge Against Inflation and Dollar Weakness: Gold and silver often rise in value when fiat currencies lose ground, preserving your wealth’s purchasing power.
- Portfolio Stability: These metals can reduce overall volatility, acting as a counterbalance to stock-heavy portfolios during market crashes.
- Geopolitical Safeguard: In times of global instability, precious metals offer security that digital or paper assets can’t match.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: Historical data shows gold’s value has appreciated over time, with increasing demand from investors and industries alike.
Unlike other alternatives like real estate, which can involve management hassles, gold and silver are easy to store and liquidate. Plus, with IRS-approved depositories handling secure storage, you get peace of mind without the headaches.
Augusta Precious Metals: Your Partner in Gold and Silver IRAs
When it comes to setting up a gold or silver-backed self-directed IRA, not all providers are created equal. Augusta Precious Metals has emerged as a leader, earning top ratings for transparency, service, and customer satisfaction. Founded in 2012, Augusta specializes in helping Americans diversify their retirement with physical precious metals, boasting thousands of 5-star reviews and numerous industry awards.
What sets Augusta apart?
- Personalized Guidance: From the start, you’ll work with a dedicated representative who educates you on gold and silver investing, providing insights not found elsewhere.
- Streamlined Process: Augusta handles up to 95% of the paperwork, making rollovers simple and stress-free.
- Lifetime Support: Enjoy ongoing education through their Knowledge Hub, with articles, market news, and expert analysis to keep you informed.
- Commitment to Integrity: Transparency is key—Augusta ensures no hidden fees and honest transactions every step of the way.
Customers rave about Augusta’s approach. One reviewer noted, “Their team made the entire process effortless, and I feel confident in my diversified portfolio.” With a focus on protecting your legacy, Augusta treats every client like family.
Join the Thousands Taking Control Today
As economic challenges persist, self-directed IRAs backed by gold and silver offer a smart path to financial independence. Don’t leave your retirement to chance—embrace the control and security that thousands of Americans are discovering.
Contact Augusta Precious Metals today for a free Gold IRA guide and start building a brighter future. They will schedule a one-on-one educational session to discuss your personal retirement needs.
