Folk musician Art Garfunkel, 84, has indicated he is considering relocating outside the United States in response to concerns about the country’s direction under President Donald Trump’s administration. In an interview with The Guardian published on September 4, Garfunkel stated his disapproval of U.S. policies on multiple fronts, including climate change, international affairs, and a recent military operation in Venezuela.
Garfunkel, best known for his work with Simon & Garfunkel, said he is evaluating the possibility of leaving the country. "I don’t like America’s position at all," he told the publication. "I’m not aboard, and I’m thinking of leaving the country, frankly."
Key concerns cited
The musician highlighted several issues driving his consideration, including:
- Climate change: Garfunkel expressed alarm over rising global temperatures, sea levels, and food insecurity, stating, "It’s real that the planet is getting warmer, that the water’s rising, that so many people are starving."
- International affairs: He did not specify particular conflicts but referenced broader dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy stances.
- Venezuela military operation: Garfunkel criticized Trump’s decision to authorize a military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan president facing federal charges in the U.S. "When Donald Trump took over Venezuela, are those the new rules? Just take over a country and run it?" he asked. "It’s shocking."
Garfunkel acknowledged the challenges of effecting political change but expressed hope that Trump’s presidency would not last indefinitely.
Context and reactions
Garfunkel is among a growing number of public figures who have either relocated abroad or publicly discussed doing so in response to Trump’s policies. Comedian Rosie O’Donnell has previously stated she moved to Ireland following the 2024 election, while other artists and public figures have made similar remarks without specifying relocation plans.
The musician’s comments come amid broader discussions about political polarization and emigration trends among high-profile individuals. While Garfunkel’s remarks reflect personal sentiment, they do not indicate an immediate or confirmed move.
Background on the Venezuela operation
In 2025, the Trump administration authorized a military operation in Venezuela that led to the detention of Maduro, who was subsequently charged with drug trafficking and held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. Maduro has denied the charges and claimed immunity, seeking dismissal of the case. The operation has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny, with critics questioning its legality and implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Garfunkel’s statements add to a broader debate about the Trump administration’s policies and their perceived impact on global stability and domestic governance.