In recent years, especially following the election of Donald Trump, there has been a noticeable trend of some American celebrities publicly declaring their intention to leave the United States.

Dr.Phil McGraw recently addressed this phenomenon in a candid message, reflecting not only on the celebrities’ decisions but also on the broader cultural and political climate in America.

His remarks offer a thoughtful perspective on freedom, division, and the importance of unity in a democratic society.

 

Dr.Phil begins by acknowledging the wave of celebrities who have announced plans to leave the country since Trump’s election.

He mentions singer Courtney Love, who is reportedly applying for UK citizenship because she finds America “frightening now.” Similarly, Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her child, citing safety and equal rights as reasons.

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife relocated to the UK to “get the hell out,” and actress Minnie Driver returned to London after living in Los Angeles for nearly three decades, fulfilling a promise she made if Trump won.

 

These moves have been dubbed the “Donald Dash” by legacy media, and data from the UK Home Office shows a 40% increase in US citizenship applications following Trump’s re-election, with over 6,100 Americans applying for UK citizenship last year—the highest since records began two decades ago.

Additionally, immigration-related searches surged dramatically after the election, and Forbes even published articles on how Americans can immigrate to Canada.

 

Despite the headlines, Dr.Phil points out that many celebrity threats to leave the country have been more talk than action.

For example, Barbara Streisand and Miley Cyrus both expressed intentions to leave but remain in the US.

Samuel L.Jackson threatened to move to South Africa but has not followed through.

This suggests that while some are serious, others may be using these declarations as symbolic protests or expressions of frustration.

 

A central theme in Dr.Phil’s message is the freedom Americans have to make their own choices, including the choice to leave the country.

He contrasts this with countries like China, where citizens do not have the same liberty to simply decide to emigrate.

In the United States, leaving is a personal decision that reflects individual beliefs and circumstances.

 

However, Dr.Phil challenges the idea that leaving is the best solution to political or social dissatisfaction.

He argues that America is a free country precisely because people have the right to stay and work through problems rather than abandoning them.

He likens leaving the country in frustration to “going to a corner and eating worms,” implying that quitting does not solve underlying issues.

Dr.Phil reflects on the perception of division in the United States.

While media often portray the country as deeply polarized, he suggests that everyday life for most Americans has not drastically changed regardless of who is president.

He shares that he lives a life similar to many others—going to stores, walking neighborhoods, and interacting with people from all walks of life who are not involved in politics or entertainment.

 

He believes the country is not as divided as it seems and that many people share common goals and values.

The key, he says, is to focus on understanding different perspectives and building bridges rather than emphasizing disagreements.

 

One of the most compelling parts of Dr.Phil’s message is his call for “bridge building” — the idea that Americans should focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.

He uses the metaphor of pushing a rock up a hill, emphasizing that it will take all of us working together to move the country forward.

Dr.Phil identifies fundamental goals that most Americans share: a good country, health, a bright future for children, clean water, green spaces, quality education, and a strong economy.

While there may be disagreements on how to achieve these goals, the shared desire for them is a foundation for cooperation.

 

He challenges both political parties to be truly inclusive, noting that some factions only embrace inclusivity when they are winning elections but retreat when they lose.

True bridge building requires consistent effort from all sides to engage in dialogue and collaboration.

 

Dr.Phil also touches on specific issues like climate change, which polls show is a top concern for Democrats but less so for Republicans.

He notes the irony that Tesla, owned by Elon Musk—who has aligned himself politically with Trump—produces the most climate-friendly vehicles, yet his facilities have faced attacks from some activists.

He highlights that some priorities, like eliminating government waste, fraud, and abuse, have historically enjoyed bipartisan support.

The challenge is maintaining focus on these shared concerns amid political noise and division.

 

Throughout his message, Dr.Phil emphasizes his respect for the office of the presidency, regardless of who holds it.

He states that he has publicly supported presidents from both major parties over the years and that his priority is the wellbeing of the country rather than partisan loyalty.

 

This stance underscores his broader message: that Americans should come together to build a better future, transcending political differences for the sake of their children and the generations to come.

 

Dr.Phil concludes by urging Americans to focus on the “real story” — the shared responsibility to leave the country better than we found it.

He acknowledges the challenges facing the nation, such as rising costs of healthcare, medications, groceries, housing, and the prospect that today’s younger generation may face a lower quality of life than their parents.

Despite these difficulties, he calls for unity and collective effort to address these issues rather than division and withdrawal.

His invitation to “do some bridge building” is a call to action for all Americans to engage in constructive dialogue and work together for common goals.

 

Dr.Phil’s message is a reminder that the strength of a democracy lies not in the absence of disagreement but in the ability to find common ground and work through differences.

While some celebrities may choose to leave America in protest, the vast majority of people continue to seek solutions within the country.

 

The freedom to leave is a hallmark of American liberty, but so too is the freedom and responsibility to stay and contribute to the nation’s future.

By focusing on shared values and goals, Americans can overcome division and build a healthier, more inclusive society.

 

In a time when political rhetoric often emphasizes conflict, Dr.Phil’s call for bridge building offers a hopeful vision: one where Americans unite not by ignoring their differences but by prioritizing their common humanity and collective aspirations.

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