In a move that has sparked both sympathy and controversy, Twilight star Kristen Stewart has revealed her plans to leave the United States, citing President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on films as a major factor. But here’s where it gets controversial: Stewart’s decision could force her to abandon her multimillion-dollar property portfolio, including homes in Los Angeles and New York, as she seeks creative freedom in Europe. The actress, known for her roles in Twilight and Panic Room, has been vocal about her struggles to work freely in the U.S., particularly after her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, was filmed in Latvia. “It would have been impossible to do in the States,” she told The Times, highlighting the challenges she faced domestically.
Stewart’s frustration with Trump’s policies is palpable. In September, Trump proposed a 100% tariff on movies made outside the U.S., claiming, “Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby.’” California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office fired back, calling the move “100% stupid” and warning of irreparable damage to the U.S. film industry. Stewart echoed this sentiment, describing the tariffs as “terrifying” for filmmakers. “Reality is breaking completely under Trump,” she said, “but we should take a page out of his book and create the reality we want to live in.”
And this is the part most people miss: Stewart’s decision to relocate isn’t just about politics—it’s also about artistic freedom. “I can’t work freely there, but I don’t want to give up completely,” she admitted. “I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.” Her move would add her to a growing list of celebrities, including Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria, and Richard Gere, who have left the U.S. since Trump’s re-election in 2024.
But let’s not forget the personal side of this story. Stewart’s potential departure comes just months after she married her longtime partner, Dylan Meyer, in an intimate ceremony at a Mexican restaurant near her Los Angeles mansion. The couple, who began dating in 2019 and got engaged in 2021, kept the wedding casual, with Stewart in a grey skirt and top and Meyer in a white top and satin ivory skirt. Stewart’s $3.7 million home, purchased in 2012, has been her primary residence, but her real estate portfolio also includes a penthouse in New York City and a Malibu home she sold for $8.3 million in 2022.
Stewart’s history with Trump dates back over a decade, when he publicly criticized her during her high-profile relationship with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson. After her cheating scandal with director Rupert Sanders, Trump took to social media, advising Pattinson to dump her. “He can do much better!” Trump wrote. Stewart has since brushed off the drama, focusing instead on her career and personal life.
But here’s the question that’s dividing opinions: Is Stewart’s decision to leave the U.S. a justified response to restrictive policies, or is it an overreaction? Some argue that her move highlights the broader impact of Trump’s tariffs on the creative industry, while others believe she’s abandoning her home country during a challenging time. What do you think? Is Stewart’s relocation a bold stand for artistic freedom, or a missed opportunity to fight for change from within? Let us know in the comments below.
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