Rosie O’Donnell has officially made the leap across the Atlantic, relocating to Ireland with her 12-year-old son Clay. O’Donnell announced her move on March 11, 2025, via TikTok, expressing her transformative experience since arriving on January 15. This shift not only marks O’Donnell’s new chapter but also reflects her responses to the political turmoil back home.
Reflecting on her new life, O'Donnell described her experience as “wonderful,” particularly praising the warm, welcoming nature of the Irish people. She stated, “Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be best for myself and my 12-year-old child.” Her decision was prompted by the troubling political climate following Donald Trump's re-election as U.S. president.
O'Donnell, who is pursuing Irish citizenship due to her grandparents’ heritage, conveyed her mixed emotions about leaving the U.S. “I miss my other kids. I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home,” she confessed. She emphasizes her current stance: “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will considering coming back.” This statement reveals not only O'Donnell's deep-seated concern over political conditions but also outlines her motivation for making such a significant change.
The actress's move is particularly poignant, arriving just five days before Trump’s inauguration, during a time when she felt compelled to take action for her family’s well-being. O'Donnell's long-standing feud with Trump has been well documented; she has been vocal about her disdain for his policies and attitudes toward women, often referring to him as “a madman” and “a fascist.” Commenting on the political climate, she stated, “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.”
This shift mirrors trends among other celebrities who have also sought refuge outside the U.S. amid political anxieties. Figures like Eva Longoria and Ellen DeGeneres have also moved abroad as tensions rise domestically. During press time following O'Donnell's announcement, Trump was asked about her relocation by conservative journalists, prompting both puzzled reactions and comments from Trump himself, who remarked, “Did you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is?... you’re probably best off not knowing.”
Within her social media posts, O'Donnell also spotlighted broader concerns about the American media, which she accused of failing to uphold their duties to inform and empower the public: “The mainstream media has been letting us all down... They haven’t been doing their job.” O'Donnell pointed out the necessity of media reform to sustain democracy, imploring her audience to “protect your sanity as much as you can, and try not to swim in the chaos if possible.” Her statements suggest an urgency for the public to engage with media critically, especially under the current administration.
Despite her new residence, O'Donnell’s connection to her American roots remains potent. She mentioned often reflecting on her home and its inhabitants, accentuating, “I think about everyone every day and the United States of America... and I am hoping we can turn things around.” Surprisingly, she has historical ties to Ireland as her father, Edward Joseph, emigrated from Co. Donegal to the U.S. when he was a child. O’Donnell herself had never imagined living outside of her home country until now, feeling this was the right choice for her and her family.
Looking forward, her experience abroad is colored by optimism and longing. While she expresses happiness about settling and continuing her life with Clay, O'Donnell remains connected to her other children and hopes for their well-being: “I’m happy. Clay is happy,” she stated during her announcement. She actively plans to carve out her new existence, all the time keeping one eye on the American political scene and wishing for change. With the situation continuously developing, only time will tell what this move may bring for O'Donnell and her family.
Rosie O'Donnell's dramatic life change serves as both personal and political commentary on the intersection of identity, belonging, and the climate of contemporary American politics. With such powerful sentiments echoed through her words, it is clear her choice to move was not merely about geography but is deeply tied to her values and hope for future equality and justice.