Comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell has officially taken the leap from American soil to the lush landscapes of Ireland. On March 11, 2025, O’Donnell unveiled her recent move through a heartfelt nine-minute TikTok video, stating she relocated with her 12-year-old child Clay on January 15, 2025. "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," O’Donnell explained, sharing the significance of her transition.
O’Donnell's move coincides with troubling times back home, as she expressed sorrow over the United States' current political climate under President Donald Trump’s leadership. "It has been heartbreaking to see what is happening over there politically and hard for me personally as well," she remarked during her video post. O’Donnell alluded to the emotional turmoil caused by the political situation, highlighting the sense of urgency and necessity behind her decision.
Currently, she is working on securing Irish citizenship, thanks to her heritage, as she is eligible due to her Irish grandparents. Notably, she expressed gratitude for the warmth received from the Irish community, saying, "The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I’m very grateful," emphasizing her positive initial experiences abroad.
O’Donnell mentioned feeling nostalgic and missing several aspects of her previous life, including her other children and friends back home. "I miss many things about life there at home, and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country," she shared, demonstrating her complex feelings about leaving the U.S.
During her TikTok announcement, she also addressed her reasoning for the timing of her move, explaining, "I just felt like we needed to take care of ourselves and make some hard decisions and follow through." This speaks to the broader sentiment among some citizens feeling discontent with American policies and leadership.
O'Donnell's sentiments resonate with other public figures who have sought refuge abroad during tumultuous political times, as several celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres and Eva Longoria have also moved out of the U.S. Recently, the celebrity scene has seen various high-profile departures fueled by political unrest and dissatisfaction with the current administration.
Political ramifications of her relocation prompted attention on both sides of the Atlantic. Just days following her TikTok announcement, during a meeting with Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, President Trump was asked about O’Donnell’s relocation. According to various news outlets, Trump was caught off guard, parrying the inquiry with humor, and the White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers later commented, "Promises made, promises kept. Good riddance!" This quip underlines the longstanding public feud between O’Donnell and Trump, which dates back to the mid-2000s and continues to color their interactions.
Many viewers of O'Donnell's video noted how her comments reflect the disillusionment with media institutions, as she remarked, "The mainstream media has been letting us all down in America, where the fourth estate is required to maintain a democracy. They haven’t been doing their job." This concern highlights the sentiment shared by citizens questioning the media's reflections on democracy and civic responsibility.
While many sympathized with her plight, O’Donnell has made her position clear: she does not plan to return to the U.S. until she believes it is safe for all citizens to enjoy equal rights. "When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will -consider coming back," she declared, signaling her hopes for political reform.
Looking ahead, O'Donnell's future remains ambiguous, but her statements suggest she is settling comfortably, for the time being, on Irish soil. Her transition from the U.S. serves as both personal and political, reflecting the shared struggles of many who wish to escape the tumult of divisive politics and seek solace and acceptance abroad.
This unexpected shift not only accentuates O'Donnell's heartfelt dedication to her family's well-being but also firmly establishes her as part of the growing trend of public figures responding to political dissatisfaction with decisive action. With her Irish adventure just beginning, the world will be watching closely to see how she adapts to her new life and what potential changes await if and when she considers returning to the United States.