Comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell has made headlines with her recent decision to move to Ireland, leaving her life in the United States behind. This significant move follows former President Donald Trump’s re-election, which she cites as a motivating factor behind her departure.
On March 11, 2025, Rosie O'Donnell posted a heartfelt TikTok video announcing her relocation to Ireland, where she now resides with her 12-year-old son, Clay. The pair made the transition from America to the Emerald Isle is packed with reflections on their new life. O'Donnell expressed her gratitude for the kindness of the Irish, stating, "It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming, and I'm very grateful." This sentiment, shared with over 1.8 million viewers, signified her effort to adapt to her new environment.
Before her video announcement, O'Donnell hinted at her departure through two Instagram posts, including one where she was captured inside her car with the quip, "I bought a little used car to tool around the countryside on the wrong side of the road. Hit the curb three times – thought I hit a cat!!!" The humor offered viewers a glimpse of her adjusting to life abroad, but it also underscored her feelings of homesickness. "I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home, and I'm trying to find a home here in this beautiful country," she revealed.
O'Donnell's choice to leave the U.S. stems from her discontent with the current political climate under Trump’s administration, which she described as "heartbreaking." She mentioned her desire to return to America only "when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights." Her concerns reflect not only her personal sentiments but also broader issues around equality and civil rights, which have become increasingly polarizing under the recent political regime.
The comedian has been openly vocal about her political beliefs, often criticizing Trump's policies. After moving, she stated, "I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, to demand..." This call to action resonates with many, reflecting her continued engagement with activism beyond her career as a performer.
The reactions to her move have been mixed. Supporters of Trump have taken to social media, celebrating O'Donnell's departure. A sense of victory echoed among those who had anticipated her exit, with one commentator on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "Well, she did it. I at least have to give Rosie O'Donnell credit. She moved to Ireland." This sentiment was echoed across various conservative accounts, affirming their approval of her decision to leave.
Conversely, O'Donnell's fans have offered words of support and encouragement. Many welcomed her with open arms, wishing her the best as she settles down and works through the process of obtaining Irish citizenship—a pursuit aided by her Irish ancestry, tracing back to her grandparents. "Welcome home, Rosie!" numerous fans remarked, even as she grapples with the bittersweet transition away from her roots.
Throughout her illustrious career, Rosie O'Donnell has amassed significant wealth, with estimates placing her net worth at approximately $80 million. This impressive fortune is attributed to her extensive work across various entertainment platforms, including stand-up comedy, television appearances, and film roles, as well as her ventures in Broadway musicals, book sales, and philanthropy. Despite her relocation, O'Donnell remains involved with her artistic endeavors, participating actively in stand-up shows and continuing to voice her opinions on social justice issues.
O'Donnell’s move symbolizes more than just relocation; it reflects her personal stand against what she perceives as injustices within U.S. society. "When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will considered coming back," she stated, reiteratively asserting her hopes for change and equality back home.
For now, O'Donnell is focusing on her new chapter. Her earnest reflections capture the essence of what many Americans feel during exceedingly politically charged times. Regularly sharing updates with her fans, she ties her personal experiences back to broader themes of human rights and governmental responsibility, reminding us all of the enduring link between personal and political spheres.
Rosie O'Donnell’s transition away from the U.S. to Ireland serves as both her personal refuge and her battle for change, intertwining her life story with the broader narrative of American politics. With continued support from fans around the world, it will be interesting to observe how her story evolves as she navigates life across the Atlantic.