Rosie O’Donnell’s relocation to Ireland might seem like an escape, but it’s raising eyebrows as she critiques US politics from afar.
At a Glance
- Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland to escape US government “cruelty.”
- She criticizes Donald Trump’s administration from abroad.
- O’Donnell is applying for Irish citizenship through her grandparents.
- Critics say her move undermines her engagement in US issues.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Move and Motivations
Rosie O’Donnell, a perennial thorn in Donald Trump’s side, has taken a drastic step by relocating to Ireland. Fueled by frustrations with the US government, O’Donnell announced her move through social media, citing her desire to escape the “cruelty” before Trump’s potential second term.
Rosie O'Donnell announced that she has escaped the US for Ireland and won't consider coming back until it's "safe for all citizens to have equal rights there."
Will anybody miss her?? pic.twitter.com/qGtaK49hqy
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 11, 2025
Rosie plans to remain in Ireland with her daughter, applying for citizenship thanks to her Irish roots. Her decision bewildered many, considering her long history of activism and outspokenness in American life. O’Donnell’s move coincides with a significant meeting between Trump and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the White House, a meet-up overshadowed by her timely departure.
Watch: Rosie O’Donnell on Donald Trump & moving to Ireland | The Late Late Show
Unrelenting Criticism
Despite the distance, O’Donnell remains vocal. Her accusations against Trump’s administration—such as divesting from national meteorological resources and contributing to crises like the Texas floods—spew through TikTok diatribes. Critics argue that her critiques are grandstanding rather than attempts at genuine activism. With the US government labeling her helter-skelter escape as “Good riddance,” the mutual contempt persists.
While her social media rants capture attention, they do little to engage in solutions. Instead, they come off as a spectacle, sourced from her stance far from the frontlines of American politics. President Trump doesn’t shy away from using O’Donnell’s move as fodder, musing at public appearances about her notorious reputation.
A Long-standing Feud
Rosie O’Donnell’s feud with Trump isn’t new, dating back to 2006, when she first criticized him on “The View.” Recent comments include her disbelief over the integrity of the 2024 election victory and his rapport with tech mogul Elon Musk. Yet, while she fires shots, critics ask why she doesn’t join the frontlines in her campaigns.
“I told the truth about him on a program called The View where it was my job to talk about pop culture and politics, and I mentioned his bankruptcies and I mentioned all of the sexual assault charges and I mentioned that he was not, in fact, the businessman that everyone thinks he is because of the show, The Apprentice, where they sold a bunch of lies to America for over 10 years and half of America believed it.” – Rosie O’Donnell – holywoodreporter.com.
