America has always been a complicated place — big, bold, and influential, but often chaotic beneath the surface.
While it might seem exciting from the outside, the reality these days is far from glamorous. With Trump’s return to office, the country is facing a level of political, economic, and social instability that makes life in the UK look pretty appealing (though we needn’t get too arrogant, as we’re just one election cycle away from a similar disaster). If you’ve ever complained about Britain’s problems, here are just a few reasons why you might be better off staying right where you are.
1. The political situation is a complete disaster.
British politics may be frustrating, but it’s nothing compared to the sheer chaos unfolding in the US. Trump’s administration is pushing through aggressive policies at breakneck speed, leaving even his own party struggling to keep up. Protests are breaking out regularly, legal challenges are piling up, and the country feels more divided than ever.
Between mass layoffs of federal employees, controversial executive orders, and a constant stream of unpredictable decisions, the atmosphere in America right now is tense, to say the least. No matter where you stand politically, it’s hard to deny that living under such uncertainty would be exhausting.
2. You don’t have to worry about medical bills ruining your life.
Healthcare in America was already a nightmare, but under Trump’s second term, things are getting worse. Insurance premiums are rising, government funding for health programmes is being slashed, and public health initiatives are being undermined.
In the UK, we might moan about NHS waiting times, but at least we don’t have to worry about being charged hundreds just to see a doctor. In America, one medical emergency can leave people drowning in debt, and for many, even basic healthcare is unthinkable for many people.
3. You’re not constantly worried about gun violence.
Mass shootings have become such a regular occurrence in America that they barely make the headlines anymore. Instead of tackling gun violence, Trump’s administration is focused on expanding gun rights, making it even easier for people to carry firearms in public spaces.
In the UK, gun crime is rare, and the idea of needing an active shooter drill in schools is unimaginable. In the US, parents send their children to school knowing that gun violence is a very real threat, and that’s not something most British people will ever have to comprehend.
4. You won’t go bankrupt trying to go to university.
University fees in the UK aren’t cheap, but they’re nothing compared to the financial burden American students face. With rising tuition costs and student loans that take decades to pay off, many graduates are stuck in a cycle of debt that affects every aspect of their lives.
Over here, student loans work more like a tax — you only repay when you earn enough, and the debt eventually gets written off. In the US, student debt follows people forever, limiting their financial freedom long after they’ve left university.
5. The cost of living crisis is even worse over there.
Life in the UK has become more expensive, but America is facing its own economic crisis, fuelled by recent policy shifts under Trump’s administration. Inflation remains high, wages aren’t keeping up, and consumer confidence is at an eight-month low. And we’ve all seen the memes about basically needing a second mortgage to buy a dozen eggs, right?
Many Americans are working multiple jobs just to afford rent and groceries, while those who own homes are struggling with skyrocketing mortgage rates. If you think British living costs are bad, imagine adding astronomical healthcare bills and student debt on top of that.
6. You’re not stuck in a tipping culture nightmare.
Going out for a meal in America is a financial minefield. The advertised price is never what you actually pay — by the time you add tax and a mandatory tip of 20-25%, your bill can be massively higher than expected. Here, tipping is a choice, not a necessity. In the US, many service workers rely on tips just to make a liveable wage, meaning there’s constant pressure to tip generously, even if the service was average.
7. Public transport actually exists.
While British public transport has its flaws (and I know that’s putting it lightly), at least it’s there. In much of America, if you don’t own a car, you’re stuck. Many cities have little to no public transport, making even simple errands a logistical nightmare. Over here, you can travel across the country without needing to drive. In the US, even getting to work or buying groceries can be a challenge if you don’t have a vehicle.
8. You don’t have to worry about losing your job overnight.
One of Trump’s biggest policies in 2025 has been mass layoffs of federal employees. Thousands of jobs are being cut in an attempt to “streamline” government operations, leaving many workers suddenly unemployed with little warning. On this side of the Atlantic, job security isn’t perfect, but we have stronger workers’ rights and protections. In America, losing your job often means losing your health insurance too, making an already stressful situation even worse.
9. Your basic rights aren’t constantly under attack.
America is rolling back rights that were once considered settled. Abortion bans are spreading, LGBTQIA+ protections are being removed, and policies around reproductive and gender healthcare are becoming more restrictive. In the UK, while political debates around these issues exist, they don’t result in entire states banning healthcare or restricting freedoms in the same way. The constant uncertainty in America makes life incredibly hard for anyone who isn’t part of the most privileged groups.
10. You don’t have to deal with extreme weather disasters constantly.
Climate change is hitting America hard. Wildfires, hurricanes, heatwaves, and devastating floods are becoming more frequent, displacing thousands of people and causing billions in damage. Over here, we complain about the rain, but at least we don’t have to evacuate our homes because of raging wildfires or deal with tornadoes tearing through entire neighbourhoods.
11. You don’t have to explain what a bank holiday is.
This is a silly one, but it’s still worth mentioning. Bank holidays are one of life’s simple pleasures — a guaranteed extra day off to relax, without using up your annual leave. In America, public holidays aren’t as common, and even when they exist, many workers don’t get the day off. Trying to explain to an American that the entire country shuts down for a random Monday just because it’s a bank holiday is oddly satisfying. They don’t know what they’re missing.
12. You don’t live in a country where anti-vaccine rhetoric is being pushed from the top.
Trump’s administration has put anti-vaccine advocate (and brain worm host) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge of health policies, leading to a surge in misinformation. With funding cuts to scientific research and public health initiatives, there’s growing concern that preventable diseases could make a comeback. Here, vaccines are widely accepted, and public health decisions are based on science rather than conspiracy theories. Knowing that your government takes health seriously is something we often take for granted.
13. Your supermarket bread doesn’t taste like cake.
British people visiting America are often shocked by how much sugar is in basic food items. Bread, milk, and even so-called healthy snacks are packed with unnecessary sweeteners. Supermarket bread in America is so sweet it tastes more like cake than actual bread. In this country, at least when you buy a loaf of bread, you know it won’t taste like a dessert.
14. You don’t have to wonder whether democracy is still intact.
With Trump’s return, concerns about democracy in the US are growing. Election integrity is being questioned, legal battles over voting rights are escalating, and the political climate feels more volatile than ever. He’s even trying to change the U.S. Constitution in order to give himself a third term in office, while giving an unelected official with no experience or security clearance (yes, Elon Musk) unfettered access to Americans’ social security numbers and other sensitive information. While British politics has its issues, we don’t have to question whether the next election will be fair or whether peaceful transitions of power are guaranteed. The fact that Americans now worry about these things says a lot about the state of their democracy.
