Rosie O'Donnell moves to Ireland amid Trump re‑election backlash

O'Donnell, known for her pointed remarks about Donald Trump, appeared on the Irish show RTÉ's "Late Late Show" where she discussed her decision to leave the United States following Trump's win in the 2024 presidential election. The actress expressed skepticism about Trump's successes in the key states, suggesting that his major donor, Elon Musk, might have wielded influence over the outcome.

O'Donnell questioned how Trump could have won in every key state. During the conversation, she highlighted that one of his closest friends and most significant contributors is "a man who runs the internet." Although she didn't mention him directly, it's understood she was referring to Elon Musk.

- I would hope that would be investigated and that we would see whether or not it was an anomaly or something else that happened on election night in America when Kamala Harris was filling up stadiums with people who supported her and Donald Trump was not able to do that - O'Donnell stated.

According to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Elon Musk donated over $280 million to Trump's campaign, making him the largest donor in the 2024 presidential race.

During the interview, a White House conversation clip was recalled, in which Trump, in the presence of Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, responded to a journalist's question: "Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland? I think she’s going to lower your happiness levels." Trump then commented to Martin: "You’re better off not knowing her."

O'Donnell described the situation as "very surreal" and expressed concern about the lack of respect shown to the Irish Prime Minister. - I felt very troubled that they put the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) in that position and didn’t treat him with the respect that a leader of that kind deserves when he’s visiting the White House - the actress said.

The conflict between O'Donnell and Trump dates back to 2006 when, on "The View," she criticized him for bankruptcies and allegations of sexual misconduct. - I mentioned his bankruptcies and I mentioned all of the sexual assault charges and I mentioned that he was not, in fact the businessman that everyone thinks he is because of the show, The Apprentice, - she explained.

O'Donnell revealed that the plan to move to Ireland was formulated during the 2024 election campaign. - My grandparents are from here … I’m a hundred percent Irish ... So there was no option - she said.

The decision to leave the USA was also made for the welfare of her daughter, who has autism. She feared that Trump's policies would adversely affect access to special education. - I have a child who has autism and that child will be denied services and many, many autistic children because the funding for these programs for special needs children comes from the federal government as well as the states - she explained.

The actress admitted that despite her desire to advocate for civil rights, her family's safety had to come first. She emphasized that her desire is to be a calm and composed mother, which can prove impossible when she is overwhelmed by US politics.

O'Donnell noted that her move to Ireland had positively impacted her well-being. "I feel healthier; I’m sleeping better without the stress and anxiety over what was happening politically in the country," she admitted in a TikTok video. Her daughter Clay also enjoyed their new residence. - She told me at dinner: "Mom, it's better here. You can be a normal person." I replied: "Isn't that wonderful?" - O'Donnell confessed.

Speaking with RTÉ, the actress admitted she might return to the USA in the future, especially if her son Blake, who recently got married, becomes a father. O'Donnell concluded by saying she feels at home in Ireland. - It's really felt like home since I've been here - she stated.