Rosie O'Donnell, the actress and comedian renowned for her outspoken nature, has taken significant steps to reshape her life by relocating to Ireland. On March 11, 2025, O'Donnell posted a heartfelt video on TikTok detailing her move with her 12-year-old son, Clay. Describing her shift as unexpected, she stated, "Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my child." O'Donnell made the move on January 15, 2025, just five days before Donald Trump was inaugurated as President of the United States for the second time.
The actress has shared her experiences since moving to Dublin, expressing admiration for the country and its people. "It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I’m very grateful," she reflected. O'Donnell, who is currently applying for Irish citizenship, has Irish heritage from both her father and mother, with her paternal grandfather hailing from County Donegal.
O'Donnell’s decision to leave the U.S. stemmed from deep political frustrations. Throughout her video, she lamented the state of American politics, saying, "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." These words resonate powerfully, especially considering her long-standing feud with Trump, which dates back nearly two decades. The feud intensified during the 2016 presidential campaign when Trump made derogatory remarks about her, to which she responded by calling him a "madman" and "fascist." Although she refrained from explicitly mentioning Trump in her recent video, the timing of her relocation aligns closely with the political turmoil surrounding his administration.
Interestingly, O'Donnell's move has sparked discussions even at the highest levels of government. During a press briefing at the White House on March 12, 2025, conservative journalist Brian Glenn humorously addressed Taoiseach Micheál Martin by asking, "Ireland is known for very happy, fun-loving people ... Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland!?" Martin, seemingly unaware of who O'Donnell is, smiled at the question. The atmosphere lightened when Trump jumped in quipping, "Did you know you have Rosie O'Donnell? Do you know who she is? ... you’re not missing much!" This exchange has only added to the conversation surrounding O'Donnell's significant life change.
Sharing these powerful moments, O'Donnell expressed her yearning for the U.S., particularly missing her other children and friends. “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,” she explained. Hoping for eventual returns, she added, "when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will even think about coming back." O’Donnell’s perspective presents not only personal grief but also broader societal concerns about equality and rights under the Trump administration.
Interestingly, O'Donnell isn't alone among celebrities who have sought refuge abroad. Recent reports indicate others, such as Eva Longoria and Ellen DeGeneres, have also decided to relocate outside the U.S., citing political dissatisfaction similar to O'Donnell's. This exodus raises eye-brows and could potentially be seen as part of larger conversations about American political culture and how it can influence public figures and celebrities.
Despite her challenges, O'Donnell appears to be settling well, reflecting on her new community's warmth. Her positive experiences, mixed with her longing for her previous life, highlight the emotional complexity of her situation. Such sentiments of seeking safety and fulfillment resonate with many Americans currently grappling with the political climate at home.
O'Donnell's heartfelt reflection serves as both personal narrative and deep commentary on the current state of affairs—her move, described as both heartbreaking and humbling, unveils the intertwining of personal decisions with broader political sentiments. She passionately expressed value for sanity and mentioned, "Protect your sanity as much as you can, and try not to swim in the chaos if possible. But I know it’s nearly impossible when you’re there in the middle of it.”
Instead of facing the chaos, Rosie O'Donnell has chosen to carve out new roots, embracing her Irish heritage, advocating for equality, and calling on her followers to heed her message for change. The consequences of her move might ripple through the political discourse, highlighting how personal decisions are deeply linked to the societal fabric of America.
Now residing on the beautiful shores of Ireland, her story reinforces contemporary themes of migration, identity, and the quest for a life lived with dignity. Reflecting on her own hardships, she encourages others to participate actively and persist within their own communities—a sentiment O'Donnell feels strongly about for the future of American democracy.