James Cameron is looking forward to the next chapter in his life as a New Zealand citizen, especially after Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term in the White House.

The Oscar-winning filmmaker was recently asked on Stuff‘s The F#$%ing News podcast about Trump’s second presidency, to which he responded, “It’s horrific, I think it’s horrifying.”

While the Avatar director, born in Canada, has been based in New Zealand for the past 14 years, he has no interest in relocating to the United States again, partly due to the president’s controversial policies. However, the legendary filmmaker will have to visit Hollywood every so often for work-related commitments.

“I see a turn away from everything decent,” Cameron said of the States. “America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for. It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they’re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit.”

When asked if he feels safer in New Zealand, The Terminator director admitted he wasn’t too sure, as “we are all in this together globally” when it comes to the impact of Trump’s policies. Although not being subjected to constant headlines about the president is a nice bonus of residing in a faraway country.

“I don’t know if I feel any safer here, but I certainly feel like I don’t have to read about it on the front page every single day. And it’s just sickening,” Cameron explained. “There’s something nice about the New Zealand outlets — at least they’ll put it on page three. I just don’t want to see that guy’s face anymore on the front page of the paper. It’s inescapable there, it’s like watching a car crash over and over and over.”

The filmmaker noted that his New Zealand citizenship is “imminent,” which is “something I’ve worked toward, something I’ve had to sacrifice for.

“If you’re going to uproot your family and move somewhere, you have to invest, you have to be part of it, you have to earn standing,” he added. “I just think you’ve got to earn your right to be in a place.”

Since Trump’s inauguration last month, the president has been scrutinized for his controversial agenda and sweeping executive orders affecting immigration, climate change, federal diversity programs and transgender rights, among many others. The Trump administration’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has also drawn heat as it continues to slash government agencies and jobs in an effort to cut spending.