Escaping Trump's Reign: U.S. Citizens Seek Shelter in Denmark

Fleeing the Far Right: Americans Ditch the Land of the Free for Denmarks Utopia

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A flood of Americans have made their way to Denmark in recent years, all fleeing a fear of what Trump's second term would mean for their homeland.

Ditching D.C. for Copenhagen

Over a third of the 30 American expatriates surveyed by The Local affirmed that the 2024 reelection of Donald Trump played a significant role in their decision to leave America. Some even going as far as to say it was "decisive" in their choice to leave.

All of the interviewees made their moves prior to Trump's swearing-in on January 20th, 2025 but were so convinced of his return to the White House that they chose to depart while his victory was still uncertain.

Stephanie Astrakhan, a Chicagoan who previously lived in California for 20 years, recounted that her family took the decision to escape the U.S. after Trump was allowed to run for office again.

"When Trump was let back into the race, we realized we had to get out," she said.

Her Israeli cinematographer husband found a teaching position at the European Film College in Ebeltoft, which the family seized upon, selling their home, vehicles, and even their 17-year-old dog to make a fresh start in Denmark.

Lindsay Nielsen, from North Carolina, moved with her two half-Danish children in 2023 due to a premonition of Trump's reelection.

"We could only see that he would be reelected, even back in 2022 when we decided to relocate and in April 2023 when we officially moved," she explained.

The family also sought refuge from the increasingly dangerous environment in the U.S., as their five-year-old child experienced active shooter drills at school.

Embracing Europe

Koleigh Vachereau, from Vermont, moved to Denmark in 2022 to pursue a master's degree and escape the toxic political situation in the U.S.

"With Trump's support rapidly on the rise, I had a feeling he would win the 2024 election. I didn't want this and refused to be part of it," she said.

Scott Bornstein, from Las Vegas, seized the opportunity to move to Denmark when it presented itself pre-election, but they "had a feeling it may happen" with Trump's second term on the horizon.

"It certainly influenced our decision to go for it, and now we can't imagine ever leaving Denmark," he declared.

Kirstie Le Méteyer, from Georgia, moved before the election but if she'd known Trump would be elected, she believes it would have been the deciding factor.

A Retreat from Trump's First Term

Some Americans left the U.S. during Trump's initial term between 2016 and 2020, deterred from returning due to his reelection prospects.

Michael Bailey, from Washington D.C., relocated to Denmark seven years ago during Trump's first term because he didn't want his children to grow up in the America he witnessed.

"Knowing Trump was reelected just confirmed I made the right choice," he said.

While eleven Americans surveyed said Trump was not a factor in their decision to leave, three declined to answer this question. Of those who cited no connection to Trump's leadership, several expressed reluctance to return to the U.S. in light of his reelection.

"Trump's re-election has made me not want to move back to the U.S.," said Karen Eisenhut, from New Jersey, citing concerns about raising young children in Trump's America.

Robert Goodman, from Philadelphia, moved to Copenhagen pre-Biden's presidency due to a lack of desire to live in a divided and volatile America.

"I can't believe he was elected again," he commented, stating he turned down an attractive job offer in the U.S. in response. "We can't imagine moving back or even visiting while Trump is president."

Had you left the U.S. for Denmark in part or entirely because of the election of Donald Trump? Share your story below.

#Trump'sHoldOnUSA #MoveToDenmark### Disillusioned Americans Flock to Denmark ## Europe: A Beacon of Stability Amidst Political Chaos

Political disillusionment driving mass emigration
U.S. citizens choosing Denmark as a refuge from turbulent political climate
Economic growth, progressive social norms, and work-life balance attracting disillusioned Americans

Sources:

Ahrens, Kari (2022). Opinion: Why young Americans are moving to Denmark in droves
Carroll, Philip (2022). Americans fleeing ‘degrading social norms’ in the U.S. for property in Europe
Denmark enables expats to work without a residence permit
Why Aren't Americans Working?
Danish Students Are More Motivated to Work Hard But Less Engaged in Learning Than Their Peers
Denmark Addresses Risks to Higher Education
Reforms That Could Ensure Denmark's Tertiary Education Is World-Class
The Reedsy Independent Book Market Report 2021

Some Americans have found solace in Denmark's utopia, fleeing the inflammatory political climate of Trump's land.
The news of Trump's reelection in 2024 was decisive for many Americans, pushing them to escape the social-media driven war-and-conflicts of their homeland.
Stephanie Astrakhan, an American expatriate, sold her home, vehicles, and even her 17-year-old dog, to seek a new life in the space of Copenhagen.
Lindsay Nielsen, another American expatriate, relocated with her half-Danish children in 2023, driven by their views that Trump would be reelected.
Koleigh Vachereau, from Vermont, moved to Denmark in 2022 to escape the art of Trump's divisive political period during his first term.
Scott Bornstein, from Las Vegas, seized the opportunity to move to Denmark pre-election, motivated by the prospect of Trump's second term.
Accidents like car-accidents and fires were concerns for some Americans, pushing them to seek the general-news and safety found in Denmark.
Crime-and-justice was another factor for many Americans, with Trump's administration being associated with an era of instability and uncertainty.
Entertainment and pop-culture have flourished in Denmark, providing a welcoming environment for disillusioned Americans to enjoy.
Sci-fi-and-fantasy enthusiasts have found a home in Denmark, a country that radiates innovation and open-mindedness, a stark contrast to the political environment they left behind.