Rosie O’Donnell has left America for Ireland following Donald Trump’s election victory, vowing not to return until she deems the country “safe for all citizens to have equal rights.”
Key Takeaways
- Rosie O’Donnell relocated to Ireland in January with her 12-year-old non-binary child Clay, citing political reasons and opposition to Donald Trump’s re-election.
- O’Donnell is pursuing Irish citizenship through her grandparents’ heritage and has expressed appreciation for the welcoming nature of the Irish people.
- Despite enjoying her new home, O’Donnell admits to feeling homesick for her other children and friends in America.
- Trump supporters have celebrated O’Donnell’s departure, referencing the ongoing feud between the comedian and the president that dates back to 2006.
- Several other celebrities reportedly considered leaving the US if Trump was re-elected, including Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Sharon Stone.
Political Motivations Behind the Move
Comedian and television personality Rosie O’Donnell has made headlines with her decision to relocate to Ireland following Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory. In January, O’Donnell moved with her 12-year-old child Clay, formerly known as Dakota, citing the political climate in the United States as her primary motivation. The move comes after a long-standing feud between O’Donnell and Trump, which began in 2006 when she criticized him on “The View” and he responded by calling her a “real loser.”
O’Donnell’s decision has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from Trump supporters who have celebrated her departure. Her TikTok video announcing the move garnered over 1.8 million views and 179,000 likes, indicating significant public interest in her decision. In the video, O’Donnell explained her reasoning and conditions for potentially returning to the United States in the future.
Finding a New Home in Ireland
O’Donnell’s connection to Ireland runs deep, with the comedian noting she is “100% Irish” with grandparents from Ireland and cousins currently living in Belfast. This heritage has enabled her to pursue Irish citizenship, a process she is currently undertaking. The transition appears to be going smoothly, with O’Donnell expressing gratitude for the reception she has received from locals.
Despite her positive experience in Ireland, O’Donnell has acknowledged the emotional toll of leaving her homeland. She misses her other children and friends who remain in the United States and has described the current political situation as “heartbreaking.” Nevertheless, she maintains that the move was necessary for both herself and her 12-year-old child.
Conditions for Return
O’Donnell has been explicit about the circumstances under which she would consider returning to the United States. In her TikTok video, she emphasized that she would only come back when she believes all citizens have equal rights and are safe. This statement reflects her ongoing concerns about the political direction of the country under Trump’s leadership and her perception of threats to civil liberties.
Despite her departure, O’Donnell continues to engage with American politics from abroad. She has encouraged her followers to “stand up, use their voice, protest, and demand that we follow the Constitution in our country and not a king.” While she has removed herself physically from the United States, her emotional and political connections remain strong, and she maintains hope for positive changes that would make it possible for her to return someday.
Sources:
- Rosie O’Donnell Moving to Ireland Sparks MAGA Celebrations: ‘Good Riddance’
- Rosie O’Donnell flees US after Trump win, won’t return until it’s ’safe for all citizens to have equal rights’
- Rosie O’Donnell moves to Ireland: ‘Heartbreaking to see’ what’s happening in US politics
