Key Highlights
- Rosie O’Donnell reveals her return to the U.S. amid Donald Trump’s citizenship threats.
- The actress visited family and assessed the current political climate in America.
- O’Donnell expresses concerns about the safety of her home country, citing Trump’s policies as a reason for her move to Ireland.
- She discusses the impact of her decision on her personal life and plans for future visits.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Return: A Cautionary Tale in U.S. Politics
Rosie O’Donnell, the beloved actress and comedian, recently returned to the United States after a year living in Ireland due to concerns over Donald Trump’s second presidency. This move was not just about family visits; it was an assessment of the political climate that has left her feeling uneasy.
The Decision to Leave
Back in January 2025, Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her young daughter, leaving behind a year of Trump’s second term. In September, she expressed her reasons for moving: “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well.” She added, “I would consider moving back only ‘when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America.'”
A Vibe Check: Back Home
Returning home was not just a family reunion; O’Donnell was keen on evaluating the current state of her native country. “I was in New York for the last two weeks, and I have to tell you, it feels like a very different country, a very different place to me,” she said, noting how disconnected she had become after a year away from the news.
“Because for a year I haven’t been watching the news. I haven’t been watching American culture television.” She continued, “I’m in a place where celebrity worship does not exist. There’s more balance to the news, there’s more balance to life.
It’s not everyone trying to get more, more, more. It’s a very different culture.”
The Impact on Her Children
For O’Donnell, this visit was also about ensuring safety for her children. “I wanted to make sure that it was safe for me before I brought my daughter back home where we plan to spend the summertime off from her schooling here with my family,” she explained.
“My son is having his first child. So we’re very excited to be home.” These sentiments reflect not just a personal choice but also a broader concern about the future of America under Trump’s leadership, particularly as it affects families and their well-being.
A Message from the Past
O’Donnell has long been critical of Donald Trump. In July 2026, she responded to his threat on Truth Social: “The president of the usa has always hated the fact that i see him for who he is – a criminal con man sexual-abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself.” This statement encapsulates her view of Trump and why she felt compelled to leave.
For now, O’Donnell remains in Ireland, living with her daughter. She stated, “I don’t regret leaving at all,” adding, “There’s a feeling that something is really wrong, and nobody is doing anything about it.” Her return was both a personal decision and a statement on the state of American politics under Trump’s rule.
