President Donald Trump has recently threatened to revoke the citizenship of American comedian and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell. This move comes after O’Donnell’s outspoken criticism of Trump’s administration, particularly regarding its handling of weather forecasting agencies following the deadly Texas floods. Trump announced on Truth Social that he was considering taking away O’Donnell’s citizenship because she is “not in the best interests of our Great Country,” though under US law, the president does not have the authority to revoke birthright citizenship. O’Donnell, who was born in New York to Irish-American parents, is currently living in Dublin, Ireland, with her 12-year-old son[1].
O’Donnell has publicly responded to Trump’s threats, explaining on Instagram that his opposition to her is due to her stance “in direct opposition with all he represents.” The comedian and her youngest child moved to Ireland in January, shortly before Trump’s second inauguration, citing the political environment after his 2024 re-election as the principal reason for her decision to leave the US. In a March 2025 TikTok video, she described the move as “heartbreaking” and promised to return only “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America”[1].
This relocation is also deeply personal for O’Donnell. She has Irish heritage, with grandparents from County Donegal, and told The New York Times, “I see reflections of myself in this country… and my very Irish childhood.” O’Donnell has stated she is “in the process” of obtaining Irish citizenship[2].
The rift between Trump and O’Donnell is longstanding, originating from a 2006 incident on “The View” where O’Donnell criticized Trump’s “moral compass.” Their public feud has continued for nearly two decades, culminating in this latest controversy. Trump has repeatedly targeted O’Donnell in both political and personal attacks, including referencing her during the 2015 Republican primary debates[3].
O’Donnell has also attributed her decision to move abroad to concerns over policy developments like the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, explaining that she has “no regrets” about leaving the US and will not return until it is “safe”[4].
References
- [1] Rosie O’Donnell citizenship row: Why American comedian moved to Ireland after Trump’s 2024 win
- [2] Rosie O’Donnell has moved to Ireland and Trump has thoughts
- [3] Trump threatens to revoke US citizenship of longtime critic Rosie O’Donnell
- [4] Rosie O’Donnell reveals Project 2025 prompted move to Ireland