Introduction
In early 2025, I made the decision to move all my website domains from a US-based hosting provider to a European company. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but given the rapidly changing political climate in the United States, I felt I had no choice. The resurgence of Donald Trump onto the political stage and the resulting instability pushed me to take action before it was too late.
Political Changes
For years, I had been content with using a reputable US hosting company called Namecheap. The service was reliable, the prices were competitive, and I never had reason to think twice about the security of my websites. However, as the political landscape in the US became more unpredictable, I started to worry about the potential consequences of keeping my online presence tied to a country that was increasingly volatile.
Government Overreach
One of my main concerns was the possibility of government overreach. Under Trump’s renewed leadership, I feared the potential for sudden policy changes that could impact internet freedoms, data privacy, and even access to web services.
The unedifying sight of the major tech oligarchs bending the knee to Donald Trump at his inauguration left me in no doubt as to what their actions would be if Trump told them, or other tech leaders, to interfere with web domains and websites from non-US countries. That was followed by Trump betraying Ukraine and attacking countries that have been allied to the US for decades. Many of whom sent their troops to assist America after 9/11. It was clear that American companies could not be trusted to stand firm against dodgy instructions from a dangerous president. Therefore, I couldn’t trust American companies with my data, or that of my clients.
Attacks Against the Press
Trump has started removing certain news organisations that do not push his warped, extremely right-wing World view, that is scarily similar to 1930’s Germany. Associated Press - one of the most trusted news organisation that provides purely factual reporting, rather than opinion pieces - was removed from White House briefings. So if you think websites will not be a target and I am overreacting then think again. Whilst I don’t currently have clients that are producing political content and would therefore get banned, there is just no knowing how this oppressive regime might target foreign website owners.
Economic Uncertainty
Another critical issue was the stability of US-based companies themselves. The political turmoil had already led to economic uncertainty, with businesses bracing for erratic policy shifts. The stock market has suffered a catastrophic crash in value, thanks to Trump tariffs and his imperialist threats to allies - Denmark and Canada. If my hosting provider faced financial trouble, service disruptions, or even government-imposed restrictions, my websites could suffer. I simply wasn’t willing to take that risk.
Data Protection
Data protection was another major factor. The European Union has stringent data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which prioritise user rights and data security. In contrast, US laws are far more lenient when it comes to government access to private information. By moving my domains to a European hosting provider, I gained an extra layer of protection against potential surveillance and data misuse.
Conclusion
The transition was smoother than I expected. Many European hosting providers offer excellent services, often with better data protection and competitive pricing. I chose a provider based in a country with strong digital rights protections - which all EU countries have - and a stable political environment. The peace of mind that came with knowing my websites were hosted in a region that respects online freedoms made the move entirely worthwhile.
Ultimately, my decision was about securing my online presence in an era of uncertainty. With Trump back in power, I could no longer afford to take chances with US-based hosting. Moving my website domains to a European provider was a proactive step to ensure the stability, security, and privacy of my online assets. Given the direction the US is heading, I believe more website owners will soon be making the same decision.
