As President Donald Trump moves quickly to enact a sweeping, hard-right agenda in his second term, a growing number of liberal Americans are searching for a way out. For many, the Netherlands — long seen as a beacon of progressivism, inclusivity, and social stability — has emerged as a top destination.
Organizations like GTFO Tours, co-founded by Bethany Quinn and Jana Sanchez, have seen a dramatic increase in interest from Americans seeking to relocate. In recent months, the group has reported a 200% spike in inquiries from what the internet has dubbed “Trumpugees” — citizens desperate to escape Trump-era politics.
“I think a lot of Americans were trying to hold out hope, but things just keep sliding backward,” Quinn told Newsweek. “The erosion of rights, especially for immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, has been alarming.”
Quinn points to President Trump’s aggressive moves on immigration and transgender rights as major drivers of this latest wave of political emigration. On his first day back in office, Trump signed executive orders undoing decades of civil rights protections — a symbolic and tangible signal of his intent to reshape the country.
But those eyeing the Netherlands as a progressive safe haven may be in for a culture shock.
A New Reality in the Netherlands
Though the Netherlands has long held a reputation for liberal values and tolerance, its political climate is shifting. In June, Dick Schoof — a former intelligence chief backed by far-right leader Geert Wilders — was elected Prime Minister. His appointment signals the most conservative turn the country has seen in decades.
Schoof’s rise came after the collapse of a fragile four-party coalition, triggered by disputes over immigration. Wilders’ Party for Freedom, known for its nationalist and anti-immigration platform, pulled its support when the coalition rejected his controversial immigration plan. Since then, the Dutch parliament has passed a wave of new restrictions aimed at asylum seekers and has stalled key legislation for transgender rights.
One such bill — designed to simplify the process of changing gender on official documents — was withdrawn after years of advocacy. Remke Verdegem, a prominent voice for transgender rights in the Netherlands, condemned the decision: “This cabinet is letting transgender people down in an unprecedented way.”
Despite its progressive image, the Netherlands now has one of the most right-leaning governments in its modern history — an uncomfortable surprise for many Americans looking to relocate.
From Ohio to Amsterdam: One Trans American’s Dilemma
Grover Wehman-Brown, a transgender American considering a move to the Netherlands, shared their concerns with Newsweek. Growing up in rural Ohio, they experienced fear and hostility, but believed they had left that behind — until now.
“The rhetoric and policies in the U.S. feel like we’re going backward,” Wehman-Brown said. “I want to live somewhere where I’m not constantly looking over my shoulder.”
A visit to the Netherlands 15 years ago left a strong impression: “It felt like a place where people respected one another, where life had rhythm and balance,” they said. But even they acknowledge that the recent political shift in the Netherlands may challenge those impressions.
They’re not alone. A recent survey by the Immigration Advice Authority found that one in four Americans are considering leaving the country following Trump’s 2024 reelection.
The Great Liberal Exodus?
Canada, Portugal, and Spain are also popular among progressives searching for a new start. But none are guaranteed havens.
Canada, often seen as America’s northern escape hatch, is now tightening asylum rules. Nearly 500 U.S. citizens have sought asylum there since Trump’s return to office — a number high enough to prompt Canadian authorities to propose emergency powers aimed at blocking applications they believe could overwhelm the system.
Even Trump has hinted at turning Canada into the “51st state,” an offhand comment that sent chills through emigrants hoping for refuge north of the border.
Back in the Netherlands, GTFO Tours continues helping Americans navigate the complex relocation process — but now with a more sobering tone.
“We launched this to help people find peace,” said Jana Sanchez. “But we always remind our clients: there’s no perfect country. Every place is facing its own reckoning.”
That message resonates with others, like interracial lesbian couple Doris Davis and Susie Bartlett of New York City, who told Reuters in May they were weighing a move to Europe. “We love this country, but we don’t love what it’s becoming,” Davis said. “When your very identity is under attack, you can’t just sit still.”
For now, the movement of “Trumpugees” continues — but the question remains: will those fleeing find real sanctuary abroad, or simply a new version of the struggle they left behind?