Rosie O'Donnell, the renowned comedian and actress, has confirmed her relocation to Ireland following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The 62-year-old actor shared her experiences through a heartfelt TikTok video posted on March 11, 2025, announcing her move and the rationale behind it.
"I moved here on January 15, 2025, and it’s been pretty wonderful," O'Donnell revealed, explaining her decision to apply for Irish citizenship due to her ancestry, as her grandparents hailed from Ireland. "Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, I decided this would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child," she added.
The reason behind this significant change is closely tied to O'Donnell's long-standing conflict with Trump, which began back in 2006 when she criticized his handling of Miss USA Tara Conner, who faced drug allegations. Trump retorted, calling her a “real loser,” igniting an animosity between the two. Over the ensuing years, this feud escalated as O'Donnell continued to voice her opposition to Trump, particularly during his campaigns and presidency.
"It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well. The personal is political, as we all know," she remarked, reflecting on the chaotic political state of the U.S. and the distress it has caused her. She acknowledged her deep desire for America to provide equal rights for all citizens before she even considers returning. “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will think about coming back,” she stated emphatically.
O'Donnell's sentiments echo the feelings of many who are witnessing the current political turmoil and its impact on their lives and wellbeing. She noted the warmth and kindness she has experienced in Ireland, describing the local community as "so loving and so welcoming" during her adjustment period to her new home. Despite her happiness, O'Donnell also admitted missing her other children and friends back in the States. “I miss many things about life there at home, and I’m trying to find a home here,” she shared.
Notably, O'Donnell isn’t alone among celebrities who have opted to leave the U.S. amid political unrest. Other prominent figures like Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria, and Richard Gere have also made similar decisions to relocate abroad. DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi moved to England shortly after the recent presidential election.
On March 12, 2025, during a White House meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, the question of O'Donnell's relocation was raised. Trump’s team seemingly welcomed her departure, with spokesperson Taylor Rogers remarking, "Promises made, promises kept. Good riddance!" This remark, amid laughter, suggested mixed sentiments about O'Donnell's high-profile exit.
O'Donnell filled her video with calls to action, urging people to stand up for their rights and to hold their government accountable. "I encourage everyone to stand up, to use their voice, to protest, to demand we follow the constitution and not have cruelty as part of our governing style,” she asserted.
The comedian’s heartfelt reflections reveal significant truths about the current state of affairs, showcasing how deeply personal choices intertwine within the political narrative today. Rosie O'Donnell's story sheds light on the complicated emotions tied to patriotism and the need for personal safety. Her message resonates with those feeling similarly disenfranchised under the current political climate.
O'Donnell's move is emblematic of larger celebrity trends, indicating the pervasive sense of unease influencing public figures to seek refuge outside the U.S. as Trump embarks on his second term. With her trademark candor, O'Donnell encapsulates the struggle many face—finding happiness amid discontent and seeking safety for their families.
"I’m very grateful for the love and kindness I’ve received here. Nevertheless, my heart still aches for home and all the significant people I've had to leave behind," she concluded her video, creating waves of empathy among her followers as her story captures the complexity of modern American life amid political chaos.