'I don't want to fund my demise.'

Celebrities like Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and Elon Musk have fled California for greener pastures in recent years, making headlines. But it's not just individuals: According to a Stanford study, more businesses have already fled the Golden State or partially relocated out of California in 2021 than in all of 2020, including big names such as Nestle, Toyota, Snowflake, and Hewlett-Packard.

Now, California can add YouTube star and BlazeTV host Dave Rubin to the list of successful entrepreneurs that have had enough. On Monday, Rubin took to Twitter and YouTube to announce his decision and explain what's prompting his move—plus where he's heading next.

"Personal thanks to [Governor] Gavin Newsom as I am officially leaving the dystopian nightmare of California for the free state of Florida," he tweeted. "My successful business and all my employees are coming with. See you soon, [Governor] Ron DeSantis!" 

I spoke with Rubin to discuss the reasoning behind his move, which is undoubtedly symbolic of broader trends. He told me that individuals making choices to live in freer states is a "bottom-up" way to fix this country.

"This camel's back has been breaking for a long time," Rubin said. 

"[Governor] Gavin Newsom is an unbearable tyrant, who dared to extend his emergency powers and then immediately take a $200,000 vacation," he lamented. "Then he was just on The View promoting his children's book… what emergency? And the people seem to want more of this."