Singer and Actor Art Garfunkel Considers Leaving U.S. Over Trump

Singer and actor Art Garfunkel says he has considered leaving the United States amid concerns about President Donald Trump and the direction of the country.
The 84-year-old Simon & Garfunkel legend discussed politics, climate change and his future during a recent interview with The Guardian.

“I don’t like America’s position at all,” Garfunkel said while discussing world affairs and those currently in power.
The “Sound of Silence” singer then revealed that his concerns have led him to contemplate living somewhere else.
“I’m thinking of leaving the country, frankly,” Garfunkel said.
He also expressed concern about climate change, hunger and international conflicts, while questioning the Trump administration’s actions involving Venezuela.
Garfunkel ultimately struck a more hopeful note about the future, saying, “Trump won’t last forever. So we’ve got to hope.”
His comments come months after U.S. forces carried out an operation in Venezuela that resulted in Nicolás Maduro being captured and taken to the United States. The White House said the operation lasted roughly two hours and maintained that the United States was not at war with Venezuela.
U.S. involvement in Venezuela has continued to expand in the months since. On September 2, Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveled to the country for the signing of several major energy agreements involving oil production and Venezuela’s electrical grid.
Outside politics, Garfunkel said he remains interested in traveling extensively. The longtime performer has previously completed long-distance walks across the United States, Europe and Japan.
He also reflected on his personality and career, describing himself as a reader, thinker and walker, but emphasizing that singing remains central to his identity.

Despite decades of performing, Garfunkel said he still experiences nervousness before going on stage, with that anxiety disappearing once he hears the audience respond.
Garfunkel, who turns 85 in November, is preparing to return to the road with his “What a Wonderful World” tour, with performances planned in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan.

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