Rosie O’Donnell has left the United States for Ireland, citing the political climate as the primary catalyst for her relocation. The actress and comedian confirmed her move via TikTok on March 11, 2025, stating she had relocated with her 12-year-old daughter Dakota on January 15, just days before President Donald Trump was sworn back in for his second term.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people here are so loving and so kind, so welcoming, and I’m very grateful,” O’Donnell expressed, emphasizing her admiration for the Irish people. She is currently applying for Irish citizenship, thanks to her grandparents, and is determined to find stability and happiness for herself and her daughter.
O’Donnell, who has been openly and vocally against Trump’s administration, remarked, “It has been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know.” Her sentiments reflect the feeling of disenchantment many have experienced as the political dialogue becomes increasingly polarized.
Despite her new life, O’Donnell admitted to missing her other children—Parker, 29, Chelsea, 27, Blake, 25, and Vivienne, 22—who are all based in the U.S. Her daughter Dakota, whom she adopted, also utilizes the nickname Clay. O’Donnell noted, “I miss many things about life there at home, and I’m trying to find a home here. When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will definitely reconsider coming back.”
The shift to Ireland also brings challenges. O’Donnell mentioned uncertainties about platforms like TikTok and their future viability, as well as the media's response to government actions. She stated, “The mainstream media has been letting us all down in America, where the fourth estate is required to maintain democracy. They haven’t been doing their job. Here’s hoping they will get it right before it’s too late.”
Her call to action for her followers was equally clear. “I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, to demand we follow the Constitution and not allow cruelty as part of our governing style,” she urged. O’Donnell’s drive for change and enduring love for her homeland remains apparent, even as she seeks refuge abroad.
The move coincides with other high-profile personalities who have also expressed dissatisfaction with current U.S. politics. Notably, filmmaker James Cameron has indicated plans to relocate to New Zealand, calling Trump's presidency “horrifying.” Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to England last November, citing the desire to step away from Trump's America.
O’Donnell’s thoughts on these developments are likely analogous to many Americans feeling lost or alienated due to the current political climate. Totaling nearly ten minutes, her TikTok video, rich with emotion and authenticity, encourages viewers to value their mental health amid chaos. “Protect your sanity as much as you can, and try not to swim in the chaos, if possible. I know it’s nearly impossible when you’re there in the middle of it,” she vulnerably shared.
For O’Donnell, the move is not merely geographic; it is indicative of her desire for peace and equality, reflective of her personal values and those of many others who find the current environment disheartening. She has taken practical steps to adjust to life abroad, including learning to drive on the opposite side of the road, which she humorously recounted on social media.
While she plants her roots in Ireland, O’Donnell continues to explore her new environment, recently posting images from Dublin, highlighting the good spirits she finds as she navigates this change. It serves not just as her new beginning but as her opportunity to advocate passionately for the ideals she believes should reign supreme back home.
O’Donnell’s departure from the U.S. resonates with many who contemplate a different future, one untethered from political strife. Her commitment to returning only when equality is secured underlines the urgency of social justice and equity which drives her actions.
The comedian’s story is emblematic of the current societal fears felt by numerous citizens and the decisions individuals are making to seek solace and fulfillment. O’Donnell’s hopes for the future remain optimistic, as she entrusts her faith to the power of the American populace to demand positive change.
Rosie O'Donnell's experience offers insight not only about her personal transitions but about broader cultural shifts driven by political unrest, and her determination highlights the importance of community and social advocacy as she finds her place once again, albeit far from her previous home.