Comedian and actress Rosie O'Donnell made a discreet visit to the United States recently, after having moved to Ireland in the wake of President Donald Trump's re-election. During a conversation on "SiriusXM’s Cuomo Mornings" with Chris Cuomo, O'Donnell shared that she spent two weeks in the country to reunite with her family without drawing public attention.
The actress embarked on this journey to evaluate the feasibility and emotional implications of traveling back to the U.S., having spent over a year abroad. "I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country," O'Donnell stated during the interview. The trip also served as a litmus test for the potential safety of a summer return, as she plans to spend time with her daughter, who is currently on a school break.
O'Donnell's move to Ireland with her teenage daughter occurred in January 2025, shortly before President Trump's second inauguration. She expressed the sense of a transformative shift in the United States since her departure, describing it as a "very different country." In contrast, she noted the lack of "celebrity worship" in Ireland and praised the balance in news and life she found there.
Reflecting on her decision to relocate, O'Donnell articulated no regrets, emphasizing the importance of preserving her well-being and that of her family. She characterized the atmosphere in the U.S. before her move as "scary," with an undercurrent of inaction towards issues she perceived as dire.
The public feud between O'Donnell and Trump spans nearly two decades, tracing back to her criticisms of him during her time on "The View." Despite her relocation, O'Donnell has been pursuing Irish citizenship while maintaining her American roots. She underscored the value of having the liberty to travel between both nations, affirming her pride in U.S. citizenship, protected under the 14th Amendment's birthright provision.
In contrast to O'Donnell’s views, the White House's response to her initial move was notably sardonic. Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson, commented, "What great news for America!" President Trump himself made headlines with controversial statements on social media, suggesting the possibility of revoking O'Donnell's citizenship, which she rebuffed by referencing constitutional safeguards.
O'Donnell has clearly stated her intention to keep dual citizenship and continue visiting the United States to be with her children. Her return, albeit brief, signifies her enduring connection to her home country, despite the political landscape that prompted her emigration.
