Rosie O’Donnell has made some big moves this year, trading the hustle of American life for the charm of Ireland. The actress and comedian shared her relocation plans through an emotional TikTok video on March 11, 2025, detailing the transition she made to the Emerald Isle with her 12-year-old son, Clay. The pair officially made the move on January 15, 2025, as O’Donnell expressed her intent to secure Irish citizenship due to her heritage, tracing back to her Irish grandparents.
During her announcement, O’Donnell conveyed her mixed feelings about the transition, explaining, “Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, I decided it would be the best for myself and my 12-year-old child.” The comedian and actress, at 62, is no stranger to public scrutiny, allowing her fans to glimpse her new life away from the politically charged atmosphere of the United States.
With her move coinciding closely with former President Donald Trump’s re-election, O’Donnell didn’t shy away from addressing the emotional difficulty she felt watching the current political climate. “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically, and hard for me personally as well,” she stated candidly, embodying the sentiment many Americans have shared since the 2024 election.
This move has also prompted discussions among politicians back home. During President Trump’s recent meeting with Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, the subject of O’Donnell’s relocation arose. A conservative journalist posed the question, “Why would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland?” This prompted laughter among attendees, including Trump, who remarked, “Did you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is? You’re actually best off not knowing.” Such comments highlight O’Donnell's history of contentious interactions with Trump, which date back nearly two decades.
Reflecting on her new environment, O’Donnell described Ireland as “beautiful, warm,” noting the kindness of its people. She acknowledged the challenge of leaving behind her other children and friends, stating, “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.” Despite missing her previous life, O’Donnell mentioned the welcoming spirit she has experienced since moving to Dublin.
O'Donnell’s frustrations with the American media have been made clear, as she criticized legacy media for not adequately fulfilling their role. “The mainstream media has been letting us all down,” she stated, urging their responsibility “to maintain democracy.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of many who feel the current media environment has shifted dramatically, particularly under Trump’s administration.
She emphasizes her personal political stance, believing, “The personal is political, as we all know.” This reflects her commitment to being vocal about her beliefs, even when it leads her to make such drastic life changes. O’Donnell’s acknowledgement of the uphill battle for equality and safety back home also resonates with broader societal tensions, as she remarked, “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will reconsider coming back.”
O’Donnell's move has sparked attention not only because of her celebrity status but also due to the growing trend of high-profile figures relocating abroad amid political unrest. Other notable personalities, including Ellen DeGeneres and Eva Longoria, have also moved away from the United States for various reasons, reflecting changing sentiments among America’s cultural elite.
At its core, O'Donnell's decision to relocate can be seen as both personal and politically motivated; her biography has intertwined closely with her political opinions through the years. While she embarks on this new chapter overseas, hosting the next stage of her life, she does not neglect her responsibilities to advocate for what she believes is right.
“I think about everyone every day and the United States of America,” O’Donnell expressed. Her hope for America remains potent, highlighting her desire for change and her faith in her fellow citizens. “And I am hoping we can turn things around, counting on you, all of you, to do what’s right,” she urged viewers as she concludes the video, her message punctuated with warmth but underlined with urgency and sincerity.
Despite some politicians and commentators celebrating her decision as “good riddance,” O’Donnell remains steadfast, emphasizing her need for personal safety and fulfillment, which brought her to Ireland. Her heartfelt words echo the struggles of many others dissatisfied with the current state of affairs, reaffirming the link between individual well-being and political climate—a connection many seem to understand all too well these days.
Rosie O’Donnell's move to Ireland embodies much more than just a personal choice; it serves as a declaration of hope, lament, and dedication to personal principles amid harrowing times back home. Her experience will likely resonate widely as millions navigate personal dilemmas against the backdrop of shifting political landscapes.