Island Officials in Italy Have an Idea to Boost the Economy: 'Give Away' Houses to People Who Want to Leave the U.S. After the Elections

While millions are excitedly awaiting the arrival of the new president, others are having anxiety over how he could impact their lives. The business world has noticed.

Trump's return sparks business boo: fleeing the U.S.
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Never has a political comeback been so polarizing. President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has raised questions about the direction of policies over the next four years, including those related to the economy, health care, and immigration. While at least 74 million Americans see Trump as the nation’s solution, another 70 million disagree. For some, leaving the country feels like—and offers to go are on the rise.

The golden passport surge. The demand for “golden passports” has surged in the last few months, with immigration consultants reporting a 30% increase in applications compared to last year. “We have experienced a huge spike in traffic from the U.S. Most of the traffic were interested in economic immigration programs suggesting they are working professionals,” Rebecca Major, operations manager at Moving2Canada told Fortune.

According to CNBC, data from Get Golden Visa shows that political polarization is the primary motivation for Americans to relocate abroad. They also cite the high cost of living, access to healthcare, and quality of life in retirement. But there’s much more.

A cruise to escape “reality.” Capitalizing on the political climate, cruise company Villa Vie Residences has revived its multi-year travel program aboard the Odyssey, a ship previously known for stranding 200 passengers. This global voyage promises an escape from U.S. politics, offering stops at 425 ports across 140 countries for an annual cost of under $40,000.

Packages range from one to four years, with thematic names that reflect their intent: Escape From Reality, one year; Mid-term Selection, two years; Anywhere but Home, three years; and Skip Forward, four years. The itinerary includes Caribbean and South American destinations, as well as a tour of Antarctica, allowing participants to explore the world while leaving behind political turbulence.

Capitalizing on the hype. Although Villa Vie CEO Mikael Petterson says the company conceived its program before the 2024 presidential election, he says that it has become an appealing option for those dissatisfied with the outcome. Petterson emphasized that the community aboard the Odyssey brings together people from different political backgrounds, united by their shared interest in exploring the world, regardless of ideological divides.

Villa Vie highlights that traveling for several years on a residential cruise ship provides not only a respite from U.S. political tensions but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and places—offering an escape from the pressures of everyday life.

Moving to Italy. The idea of buying a house for €1 (about $1.05) to repopulate “hollowed out” areas of Europe is nothing new, but the discontent following Trump’s election has added fuel to the fire. Ollolai, a small municipality on the island of Sardinia with just 1,154 inhabitants, has launched an initiative targeting Americans looking for a fresh start. According to Business Insider, the program allows participants to purchase a house for as little as €1, with the stipulation that renovations—estimated to cost around 25,000 euros (about $26,000)—must be completed within three years and at the buyer’s expense.

According to Ollolai Mayor Francesco Columbu, Americans will receive priority in the application process. While the program is open to all nationalities, the strategy focuses on revitalizing the town by attracting U.S. citizens, whom Columbu considers a “trump card” for the city’s revival. Without directly referencing the president-elect, Columbu suggested the election results have motivated many Americans to consider leaving the country.

Italy for €1, again. The rise of remote work has made it easier for remote or depopulated areas to attract residents through creative initiatives. These so-called digital nomads have become a prime audience for offers that practically give away houses in exchange for renovation commitments.

Now, however, these offers coincide with political discontent—this time following Trump’s victory. Moves like the €1 homes, residential cruises, and other promotions are also fueled by high-profile figures considering similar choices. For instance, the daughter of Tesla CEO Elon Musk—one of Trump’s vocal supporters—has reportedly expressed interest in leaving the U.S. The combination of political unease and clever marketing has created fertile ground for these programs to thrive.

Image | Villa Vie | Frederic Christian (Unsplash)

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