By The American Tribune | Created at 2026-09-10 10:19:23 | Updated at 2026-09-10 11:29:58
1 hour ago
Folk music legend Art Garfunkel says he’s considering leaving the United States because he’s deeply unhappy with the country under President Donald Trump. The 84-year-old singer declared that he doesn’t like “America’s position at all” while discussing Trump, climate change, and American policy toward Venezuela. Garfunkel didn’t say where he might move or announce any concrete timelines for when he wanted to leave, but announced his displeasure all the same.
His remarks came during a wide-ranging interview published September 4th ahead of Garfunkel’s return to touring. Much of the conversation focused on his decades-long music career, his renewed interest in performing, and his complicated relationship with former musical partner Paul Simon. The discussion eventually turned to what Garfunkel views as major global problems, including climate change, hunger, and “those in power,” which is where the singer revealed that his angst had led him to consider ditching America altogether.
“I don’t like America’s position at all,” Garfunkel said. “I’m not aboard, and I’m thinking of leaving the country, frankly.” He linked his frustration with the United States to his concerns about environmental conditions and what he viewed as suffering around the world. “It’s real that the planet is getting warmer, that the water’s rising, that so many people are starving,” he added.
His comments originally appeared in a lengthy profile published by The Guardian and were later highlighted by Breitbart. Garfunkel didn’t limit his criticism to climate policy or domestic political disagreements. He quickly shifted to Trump’s bold actions involving Venezuela and questioned what they meant for relations between countries. The singer framed the administration’s handling of Venezuela as a takeover.
“When Donald Trump took over Venezuela, are those the new rules?” Garfunkel asked. “Just take over a country and run it?” He continued by expressing disbelief over the administration’s actions and questioning how the presidency could be changed. “It’s shocking, and you think: how on earth are we gonna change the presidency?” he said.
Garfunkel’s description referred to the January operation in which American forces captured Venezuelan socialist leader Nicolás Maduro and transported him to the United States to face federal charges. Eight months later, the Trump administration continued working with Venezuela, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright traveling to Caracas to finalize an oil agreement. Garfunkel didn’t elaborate on what he believed the administration should have done differently in Venezuela. He also didn’t identify which country he considers a better choice if he actually follows through on leaving the United States.
The singer rose to fame alongside Paul Simon as one half of Simon & Garfunkel, whose catalog includes “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The pair began performing together as teenagers under the name Tom & Jerry and scored their first hit with “Hey, Schoolgirl” in 1957. Garfunkel later built a successful solo career and acted in films including “Catch-22,” “Carnal Knowledge,” and “Bad Timing.” He has also spent years completing long-distance walks across the United States, Europe, and Japan.
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Garfunkel is now preparing for additional dates on his “What a Wonderful World” tour, including an October 1st performance in Los Angeles before stops in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. He said he’s returned to singing more frequently after having barely performed for several years and hasn’t toured since 2019. Despite considering abandoning his home country, Garfunkel suggested that his dissatisfaction might end when Trump’s final term does, saying, “But Trump won’t last forever. So we’ve got to hope.”
