Rosie O’Donnell Leaves the U.S. for Ireland Following Trump’s Return to Office
Longtime Trump critic Rosie O’Donnell has confirmed that she has left the United States and relocated to Ireland following President Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. The comedian and actress, who has been publicly feuding with Trump since 2006, revealed that she is in the process of applying for Irish citizenship and has found solace in her new home.
O’Donnell Embraces Life in Ireland
In a recent TikTok video, the 62-year-old actress shared her experience of settling into life abroad.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” she remarked. “And the people have been so loving, so kind, and so welcoming. And I’m very grateful.”
O’Donnell disclosed that she departed the U.S. on January 15, just five days before President Trump’s inauguration. While her political views were a major factor in her decision to leave, she also emphasized the happiness she and her daughter have found while exploring Ireland.
“I miss my other kids,” she admitted, referring to her five grown children. “I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home. And I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
A Longstanding Feud with Trump
O’Donnell and Trump’s animosity has been well-documented over the years. Their feud dates back to 2006, with O’Donnell calling it “the most bullying I ever experienced in my life” in a 2014 interview with People magazine.
During Trump’s first presidential campaign, O’Donnell frequently voiced her opposition, even jokingly telling Seth Meyers in 2017 that she spent “about 90% of my working hours tweeting hatred toward this administration.”
Trump, for his part, has repeatedly mocked O’Donnell, bringing her up during a 2015 Republican primary debate when asked about his past disparaging remarks toward women. He quipped, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” drawing laughter from the audience. More recently, during last year’s election, Trump took another jab at her, telling a crowd at the October Al Smith dinner that “The View has gotten so bad, they really need to bring Rosie O’Donnell back.”
O’Donnell’s Political Outspokenness Continues
Even from abroad, O’Donnell has remained vocal about her concerns regarding Trump’s presidency. Throughout the election cycle, she frequently posted TikTok videos criticizing Trump, including a particularly fiery Thanksgiving post in which she warned:
“You can’t forget what he’s capable of. … This is not a sane person. This is a madman. You gotta get ready for what’s coming. When democracy falls, fascism takes its place.”
Despite her self-imposed exile, O’Donnell insists she still cares deeply about the U.S. and hopes for a political turnaround.
“It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically, and it’s hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know,” she said. “I just felt like we needed to take care of ourselves and make some hard decisions and follow through, and now, as we’re getting settled, I was ready to post this and tell everybody what’s going on.”
A Call to Action
In her video, O’Donnell encouraged Americans to take a stand and fight for democracy.
“I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, to demand that we follow the Constitution in our country and not a king, not a man. And we don’t have cruelty as part of our governing style. Protect your sanity as much as you can and try not to swim in the chaos if possible, but I know it’s nearly impossible when you’re there in the middle of it.”
Despite the physical distance, O’Donnell made it clear that she has not mentally or emotionally disconnected from the United States.
“I think about the U.S. every day, and I am hoping that we can turn things around. I’m counting on you—all of you—to do what’s right. And I think deep down inside we all know what that is.”
Conclusion
Rosie O’Donnell’s move to Ireland marks a significant personal and political statement amid ongoing tensions in the U.S. While she has found a new home abroad, she remains deeply invested in the political future of her homeland. As she continues to voice her opinions from overseas, the debate over Trump’s leadership and the state of American democracy rages on.