Rosie O’Donnell’s Move to Ireland Sparks Mixed Reactions and Controversy
Rosie O’Donnell Announces Her Move to Ireland
Rosie O’Donnell, the former host of The View and a longtime critic of Donald Trump, has made headlines after announcing her move to Ireland. In a TikTok video shared on Tuesday, O’Donnell revealed that she relocated to Ireland on January 15, just before President Trump’s inauguration. This move follows through on a threat she made back in 2016, when she vowed to leave the United States if Trump were elected. O’Donnell, who is a mother of five, brought her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota, with her. Dakota was adopted with O’Donnell’s late ex-wife, Michelle Rounds. While O’Donnell expressed that she misses her other children and friends, she made it clear that she will only consider returning to the U.S. “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America.”
The announcement has stirred up a mix of reactions, with many people expressing concern for Ireland and its citizens. Comedian Terrence Williams, who has a close connection to Trump, took to Instagram to jokingly warn Ireland about O’Donnell’s arrival. “Good luck, that’s all I’m going to say. . . . Don’t try to send her back to us, OK?” Williams said to his nearly one million followers. Many of his followers agreed, with one person quipping, “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ireland,” ahead of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Another commenter wrote, “God please bless Ireland, they sure gonna need it!” while another added, “They don’t deserve this.” The lighthearted yet biting remarks highlight the polarizing figure O’Donnell has become, even across borders.
A History of Feuds with Donald Trump
O’Donnell’s decision to leave the U.S. is deeply tied to her long-standing feud with Donald Trump, which has spanned nearly two decades. The two have frequently clashed, with O’Donnell openly criticizing Trump’s politics, character, and behavior. She has referred to him as a “snake-oil salesman” and has repeatedly expressed disbelief that he ever became president. For his part, Trump has fired back, calling O’Donnell “crude, rude, obnoxious, and dumb.” The tension between the two escalated during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, when O’Donnell first threatened to leave the country if Trump won. At the time, Trump even joked about her departure, telling Fox News, “If me winning means Rosie O’Donnell moves to Canada, I’d be doing a great service to our country!”
Despite their public animosity, O’Donnell’s move to Ireland has brought the feud back into the spotlight. The day after her announcement, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin visited the White House, where right-wing pundit Brian Glenn jokingly asked Martin, “Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland?! I think she is going to lower your happiness levels!” Trump, who was present, agreed, saying, “That’s true,” and then asked Martin if he knew who O’Donnell was, adding, “You’re better off not knowing!” The exchange underscores the lingering animosity between O’Donnell and Trump, as well as the widespread awareness of their feud.
Terrence Williams’ Commentary and Public Reaction
Comedian Terrence Williams, who has been open about his support for Trump, has been particularly vocal about O’Donnell’s move. Williams, who grew up in the foster care system in Oklahoma City, has built a following for his humorous yet sharp commentary on politics and culture. In 2019, he met Trump at the White House during the Young Black Leadership Summit, an experience that inspired him to write a memoir titled From The Foster House To The White House. Williams’ brush with fame has given him a platform to share his opinions, and he hasn’t held back when it comes to O’Donnell.
In his Instagram video about O’Donnell’s move, Williams playfully warned Ireland about the potential consequences of welcoming her. His followers echoed his sentiments, with many joking about Ireland’s misfortune. One commenter wrote, “Oh, those poor Irish. Not enough whiskey to deal with that,” while another stated, “They don’t deserve this.” While the tone was lighthearted, it reflects a broader perception of O’Donnell as a divisive and controversial figure. Williams’ comments also highlight the cultural and political divides that O’Donnell’s presence continues to stir, even in a new country.
O’Donnell’s Decision and Its Implications
O’Donnell’s decision to leave the U.S. has sparked a broader conversation about the political climate in America and the notion of “exile” as a form of protest. While some have criticized her for abandoning the country during a time of turmoil, others have praised her for taking a stand against what she sees as injustice. O’Donnell has been clear that her move is not permanent and that she hopes to return when she feels the U.S. is safer and more equitable for all citizens. However, her decision has raised questions about the responsibility of public figures to engage with the issues they criticize, rather than leaving them behind.
At the same time, O’Donnell’s move to Ireland has put a spotlight on the country’s reputation as a haven for American expats and political dissidents. While Ireland’s welcoming attitude and progressive policies may have drawn O’Donnell to its shores, her arrival has also sparked humor and skepticism from some quarters. As O’Donnell settles into her new life abroad, it remains to be seen how she
