Eva Longoria, known for her versatile roles in Desperate Housewives, Land of Women, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold, is back in the spotlight. This time, it’s not for her acting chops but for rumors surrounding her decision to leave the United States.
Contrary to what some reports suggest, Longoria, now 49, has clarified that her move was not politically motivated, nor was it a reaction to Donald Trump’s re-election. Here’s a closer look at the real reasons behind her relocation, her thoughts on Trump’s presidency, and her continued advocacy for change.
Not Trump, But Career Choices Prompted Eva Longoria’s Move
Longoria recently set the record straight on The View: Behind the Table podcast. Speaking with co-host Ana Navarro, she denied the rumors head-on:
“Will you please let them know I didn’t move out to Spain because of [Donald] Trump.”
The actress revealed that her family, including her husband José Bastón and their son Santiago, 6, splits time between Mexico and Spain. She further explained that this move predated Trump’s 2024 election victory:
“I’ve been in Europe working for almost three years… People just grabbed some clickbait stuff to be divisive, which makes me so sad.”
Navarro added that Longoria had described her time in Europe as “shutting off the noise,” to which the actress agreed:
“Being away from the constant 24-hour news cycle puts you in a bit of a bubble, for sure. That’s why I’m in Europe. I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there.”
Why Rumors of Trump Being the Catalyst Gained Traction
Longoria’s past comments about the political climate in the U.S. fueled speculation. In a Marie Claire interview, she expressed dismay over Trump’s presidency and described America as a “scary place” under his leadership:
“The shocking part is not that he won. It’s that a convicted criminal who spews so much hate could hold the highest office.”
She also admitted feeling stunned by Trump’s return to power:
“If he keeps his promises, it’s going to be a scary place.”
However, these remarks were taken out of context, leading many to falsely assume her move was a direct response to Trump’s re-election.
A New Chapter for Longoria
Longoria has spent most of her adult life in Hollywood, but she recently shared that she felt ready for a change even before the pandemic:
“I had my whole adult life here. But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then Covid happened, and it pushed it over the edge. Whether it’s the homelessness or the taxes… it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”
Her career has since taken her across the Atlantic, where she’s been busy with projects in Europe, including directing and producing.
Longoria’s Continued Advocacy for Change
Despite her relocation, Longoria remains deeply invested in American politics. She was one of the most vocal supporters of Kamala Harris during the 2024 elections. Spending much of the summer campaigning, she rallied for the Harris-Walz ticket, often using her platform to organize women and Latino communities:
“In our community, we have a saying: ‘Sí, se puede!’… But tonight, I’m here to tell you, ‘Yes, she can.’”
Her efforts earned her recognition as a “political power broker” by The Washington Post, while The Texas Tribune highlighted her work to support Hispanic Democratic candidates.
Reflecting on Trump’s First Win
Longoria’s aversion to Trump isn’t new. Reflecting on the 2016 election, she recalled the emotional toll it took on her:
“I’ve never been depressed in my life. It was like, ‘Does my vote really matter? Am I really making a difference?’”
Her doubts challenged her faith in democracy:
“I truly believed in my soul that the best person wins. And then that happened, and I was like, ‘Oh, wait. The best person doesn’t win.’”
“Dystopian” America: A Comment on the State of the Nation
In the same Marie Claire interview, Longoria didn’t shy away from criticizing the state of the U.S., describing it as a “dystopian country.” While acknowledging her privilege to relocate, she expressed concern for those who couldn’t:
“Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”
Despite these sentiments, her ties to the U.S. remain strong. As someone with deep Texan roots spanning nine generations, Longoria continues to advocate for a better future.
Final Thoughts: Eva Longoria’s Move Isn’t a Goodbye to America
While Longoria may have traded Hollywood’s glitz for a European work-life balance, her commitment to political activism and her home country remains unwavering. She’s proof that you can step away from the chaos yet stay connected to the cause.
As the actress, producer, and activist redefines her journey, she leaves us with a message of resilience: change is possible, even from a distance.