In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and political worlds, Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro have announced they will leave the United States following Donald Trump’s victorious return to the White House. The legendary musician and the iconic actor, both vocal critics of Trump, cited the country’s political climate as the reason for their move, explaining that they no longer felt respected or valued in the nation they once defended.

“It’s not the America I sang about,” Springsteen said during a press conference on the steps of his New Jersey home. “I’ve spent my whole career writing about this country, its people and its struggles. But after this election, I feel like I’m writing a suicide note.”

De Niro, who made the announcement alongside Springsteen, didn’t mince his words. “This place is out of control,” he explained. “The people have spoken and it seems they don’t want us anymore. Fine. We’re going somewhere where we’re appreciated.”

Springsteen, affectionately known as “The Boss,” has long been the voice of the working class. His songs speak of the hopes and needs of ordinary Americans. But with Trump’s re-election, he says, those dreams seem increasingly unattainable.

“I’ve always believed in America’s potential,” Springsteen said. “But this election feels like a huge step backwards. It’s like the soul of this country is on pause.”

De Niro, a two-time Oscar winner, expressed similar sentiments. The actor, known for his passionate anti-Trump rhetoric, said he no longer feels safe or respected in his home country. “I’ve been called all kinds of names for speaking out against Trump,” he said. “At some point you have to ask yourself: Is it worth it?”

Although neither Springsteen nor De Niro have revealed their exact plans, speculation is rife. Insiders suggest that Springsteen may move to Ireland, a country he has often referred to as his second home. De Niro, whose father was of Italian descent, hinted that he wants to settle in Tuscany, a region he praised as “the exact opposite of Mar-a-Lago.”

“If America can’t handle us, maybe Europe can,” joked De Niro. “At least they know how to deal with artists.”

The duo joked about starting a commune for American expats and inviting “all disillusioned dreamers” to join them. “We’re going to call it ‘Heartbreak Hill,'” Springsteen said with a grin.

The announcement sparked emotional reactions from fans and critics alike, with social media flooded with messages of condolence from Springsteen’s loyal supporters, many of whom view his departure as a symbolic loss for the nation.

“Bruce is leaving? It’s like America is losing its heartbeat,” posted one fan. “If the boss can’t take it anymore, what hope do the rest of us have?”

De Niro’s announcement also drew sharp reactions, with some applauding his decision and others criticizing it as overly dramatic. “ of his more combative fans posted, “De Niro talks tough, but now he’s running away? Typical Hollywood elite.”

Not everyone is mourning the loss. Conservative pundits wasted no time celebrating the news, framing it as a win for the Trump administration. “De Niro and Springsteen leaving is proof that America is better off with Trump,” tweeted a prominent right-wing influencer. “Maybe they’ll take the rest of Hollywood with them.”

Fox News hosts mocked the announcement, suggesting the two stars were simply “throwing tantrums” because they didn’t get their way. “They’ve been threatening to leave for years,” one host said. “Well, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

Unsurprisingly, both Springsteen and De Niro took the opportunity to criticize Trump one last time before their departure. Springsteen called Trump’s reelection “a tragedy for anyone who believes in decency and fairness,” while De Niro referred to the former president as “the biggest fraud ever sold to the American people.”

Their words resonated with many of their fans but further fueled their critics. “These guys still think they’re the conscience of America,” one commentator said. “Newsflash: Nobody’s listening anymore.”

Despite their disappointment, neither Springsteen nor De Niro plans to retire. Springsteen hinted at releasing an album inspired by his feelings of exile, tentatively titled Songs for a Lost America. De Niro is reportedly in talks for a film project exploring the lives of American expats.

“I’ll keep making music, wherever I am,” Springsteen said. “You can take me out of America, but you can’t take America out of me.”

De Niro, ever the performer, ended the press conference with a theatrical flourish. “This isn’t goodbye—it’s see you later,” he said. “And when America decides to come to its senses, maybe we’ll come back.”

The departure of two cultural icons underscores the growing chasm in America’s political and social landscape. For some, their decision to leave feels like a betrayal; for others, it’s a bold act of protest against a nation they feel has lost its way.

As one fan put it, “If Springsteen and De Niro can’t find hope here anymore, what does that say about the rest of us?”

Only time will tell whether their departure will inspire change or simply add fuel to an already raging fire. But one thing is certain: America won’t be the same without them.