Rosie O'Donnell Flees the US Amid Trump Feud — And He Has Plenty to Say
Rosie O'Donnell, 2006. Photo courtesy of Jason Chatting under CC BY 2.0.
Rosie O'Donnell is done with America — at least for now. The longtime comedian and talk show host has packed her bags and moved to Ireland, citing personal and political reasons for her decision. But given O'Donnell's decades-long feud with Donald Trump, her departure has reignited their public war of words, with Trump delivering a cutting response that is sure to keep the headlines buzzing.
So, why did O'Donnell leave? What does Trump have to say about it? And how did this feud between a former president and a comedian become one of the longest-running spats in pop culture history?
A History of Bad Blood
The animosity between Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump is not new — it's been simmering since 2006. It all began when O'Donnell, then a co-host on "The View," publicly mocked Trump's decision to allow Miss USA winner Tara Conner to keep her title despite reports of drug use and underage drinking. O'Donnell didn't hold back, questioning Trump's business practices, marriages, and even his signature hairstyle, calling him a "snake-oil salesman on Little House On The Prairie," and adding "(He) left the first wife – had an affair. (He) had kids both times, but he's the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America. Donald, sit and spin, my friend," as reported by CNN.
Trump fired back, calling O'Donnell "a woman out of control" and threatening legal action. Since then, the two have traded barbs for nearly two decades, with Trump famously mentioning O'Donnell during a 2015 Republican primary debate when questioned about his history of making derogatory remarks about women. "Only Rosie O'Donnell," he quipped, drawing laughs and gasps from the audience.
Their mutual disdain only deepened during Trump's presidency, with O'Donnell becoming one of his most outspoken celebrity critics, often using social media to bash him. Trump, never one to let criticism go unanswered, repeatedly called her a "loser" and a "disaster," according to CNN.
Why Did Rosie O'Donnell Leave?
O'Donnell's decision to leave the U.S. appears to be deeply personal — and political. In a recent TikTok video, she revealed that she relocated to Dublin in January, just before Trump's second inauguration, and heavily implied that his return to office played a role in her move.
"It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say," O'Donnell shared, as reported by FOX News, describing the warmth and kindness she has received in Ireland. She also announced she is in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, citing her father's roots in County Donegal.
"Although I was someone who never thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child," she explained. While acknowledging that she misses certain aspects of life in America, she made it clear that she would only consider returning "when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America."
O'Donnell also spoke about the state of American politics, expressing heartbreak over recent events and urging her followers to "protect your sanity", according to the Daily Beast, amid what she described as chaos. While she never explicitly named Trump, the message was clear.
Trump's Response: A Classic Putdown
As expected, Trump didn't let O'Donnell's comments go unanswered. During a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, a reporter jokingly asked Martin why Ireland had "let" O'Donnell move there. Trump, seizing the moment, responded, "That's true, I like that question. Do you know you have Rosie O'Donnell? Do you know who she is? You're better off not knowing," as reported by FOX News.
The remark was vintage Trump — short, dismissive, and designed to provoke. But it also reinforced how deeply their feud has become ingrained in political and celebrity culture.
The Fallout and What's Next
O'Donnell's move to Ireland is unlikely to be the last chapter in her long-running clash with Trump. If history is any guide, she'll have more to say — and so will he. But for now, she seems to be enjoying her new life abroad, embracing the Irish way of life and putting an ocean between herself and the political turmoil in the U.S.
Whether this is a permanent relocation, or a temporary retreat remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump's feud isn't over — it's just gone international.
References: Rosie O'Donnell Reveals She's Moved to Ireland Thanks to Trump 2.0 | Trump Has Savage Response to Rosie O'Donnell After She Flees America | President Trump Slams Rosie O'Donnell After She Flees US: 'You're Better Off Not Knowing' | The Donald Trump-Rosie O'Donnell Feud: A Timeline
