Actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell has officially moved to Ireland, taking her 12-year-old son Clay with her. O'Donnell announced her relocation via TikTok, describing her move as one of necessity during turbulent political times.
O'Donnell shared her experiences since moving on January 15, 2025, stating, "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 12-year-old child." She noted the warmth and kindness of the Irish, saying, "The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I’m very grateful." Currently, the comedian is pursuing Irish citizenship due to her grandparents' heritage.
Reflecting on her decision to leave the United States, O'Donnell expressed her discontent with the current political climate, particularly with the impending reelection of former President Donald Trump. "It's been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well," she commented. O'Donnell highlighted the importance of standing up for constitutional values, stating, "The mainstream media has been letting us all down...They haven’t been doing their job." She made it clear she misses many aspects of her life back home, adding, "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 in this beautiful country."
O'Donnell’s departure is not isolated; several other celebrities have also moved out of the United States amid similar sentiments toward the political situation. Her announcement came shortly after Trump's meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, on March 12, 2025, where the former president was reportedly asked about O'Donnell's move. While the exchange proved light-hearted, it highlighted the broader conversation surrounding celebrities choosing to relocate due to political frustrations.
"When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will considering coming back," O'Donnell shared. This echoes sentiments from numerous individuals and families disillusioned by the political direction of the country.
O'Donnell's TikTok video was poignant, providing insight not only about her personal motivations but also about the larger cultural moment. She acknowledged the duality of her situation, where personal circumstances intersect with broader political realities. "The personal is political, as we all know," she emphasized.
O'Donnell's past with Trump, marked by heated exchanges and public disagreements, alludes to her discontent with what is occurring within the United States public discourse. Her public critique of Trump is well-documented, and her recent move seems to be just as much about personal choice as it is about the societal climate she wishes to escape.
With O'Donnell now embracing life abroad, her story serves as a reflection of shifting perspectives during tumultuous political times. This era of celebrity relocations not only speaks to the personal choices of those who choose to leave but also raises questions about the situations they faced back home. Whether or not she will eventually return to the U.S. remains uncertain, but her reflections resonate with many feeling similarly burdened.
Critics and supporters alike have taken notice of O'Donnell's decision. Given the ideological divisions present within the U.S., her move may inspire other high-profile personalities to follow suit. Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers remarked on O'Donnell's relocation, stating, "Promises made, promises kept. Good riddance!" reflecting the polarizing reactions to her departure.
The narrative surrounding O'Donnell's move encapsulates the essence of many Americans' struggles during this politically charged time, as families grapple with the impact of leadership and policy on their lives. Only time will tell how O'Donnell’s choice influences the broader conversation about citizenship, politics, and personal freedoms.
While the move marks the beginning of a new chapter for O'Donnell, one can’t help but wonder about the potential for future returns as American citizens and constituents continue to strive for equal rights and justice across the board. To O'Donnell and countless others, the fight for equality remains at the forefront of their hearts, motivating their decisions and shaping their narratives.