Rosie O'Donnell has made good on her promise to leave the United States if Donald Trump returned to the White House, citing personal health reasons and a tumultuous relationship with the former president. The American talk show host revealed last month that she and her 12-year-old child, Clay, moved to Dublin, Ireland, to escape the Trump presidency. O'Donnell, 63, disclosed that she had been "drinking too much" during Trump's first term, which contributed to her decision to relocate.
"I never thought he would win again," O'Donnell told The Irish Times, reflecting on her unexpected move. She had vowed during Trump's recent presidential campaign that if he were re-elected, she would leave the country. With her grandparents being Irish, she is eligible for citizenship, although her application has yet to be approved.
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, O'Donnell made preparations for her departure. "I got my passport renewed, I got Clay's passport renewed. My brother has his passport. All my cousins have their passports. But I was never a traveller," she explained. This proactive approach illustrates the depth of her commitment to leaving the U.S. should Trump secure another term.
O'Donnell's complicated history with Trump dates back nearly two decades. The feud began in 2006 when O'Donnell criticized Trump for his comments about a winner of his Miss USA beauty pageant, stating he had no right to act as a "moral compass" for the beauty queen. Trump's response included a barrage of insults, labeling O'Donnell a "loser" and a "slob." O'Donnell, in turn, mocked his business acumen and appearance, famously comparing him to a "snake oil salesman."
Recently, the tension resurfaced during a meeting between Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and Trump at the Oval Office. During the televised meeting, a reporter from Real America's Voice asked Martin why he would allow O'Donnell to move to Ireland, suggesting she would only bring "unhappiness" to the country. Trump seized the opportunity to insult O'Donnell further, remarking that Martin was "better off not knowing" about her.
O'Donnell expressed her embarrassment at becoming a topic of conversation in such a political context, stating in a letter to the Taoiseach that she felt uncomfortable with the situation. Despite the awkwardness, she has found solace in her new surroundings. "I see reflections of myself in this country everywhere I look, and reflections of my family and my very Irish childhood. We're 100 percent Irish," she shared.
Settling in Dublin has brought O'Donnell a sense of belonging. "Being Irish Catholic was a very big part of my identity, and coming back here does feel like coming home in a way that's hard to explain or understand, even for me," she reflected. This emotional connection to her heritage appears to be a significant factor in her decision to move.
The ongoing political climate in the U.S. has prompted many Americans to reconsider their living situations, and O'Donnell is not alone in her sentiments. As the nation grapples with divisions and contentious political battles, the desire for a change of scenery has become a common theme among those seeking respite from the current administration.
In a broader context, O'Donnell's situation highlights the impact of political figures on personal lives. For many, the thought of a Trump presidency conjures feelings of dread and anxiety, leading them to make drastic life changes. O'Donnell's story serves as a poignant reminder of how intertwined personal and political lives can be.
As she navigates her new life in Ireland, O'Donnell remains a prominent figure in the cultural landscape, known for her outspoken views and willingness to challenge the status quo. Her decision to relocate is emblematic of a growing sentiment among those who feel disenchanted with the current political climate.
While O'Donnell's future in Ireland remains uncertain pending her citizenship application, her story resonates with many who share her concerns. The move has not only provided her with a fresh start but also a chance to reconnect with her roots and heritage. As she settles into her new life, it will be interesting to see how her experiences in Ireland shape her views and public persona moving forward.
Ultimately, O'Donnell's journey is a testament to the power of personal choice in the face of political turmoil. Her willingness to act on her convictions, despite the challenges, speaks volumes about her character and determination. As she embraces her Irish identity and navigates this new chapter, O'Donnell continues to be a figure of interest, sparking conversations about the intersection of politics and personal lives.
In a time when many are contemplating their place in a rapidly changing world, O'Donnell's story offers both inspiration and a sense of solidarity for those who feel similarly displaced by the political landscape.
