Lately, more and more celebrities have either left America or announced their plans to do so. One of them is actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who is now speaking out about her decision to flee the U.S. and start a new life in Ireland.
“It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well,” she says.
Why Rosie O’Donnell moved from US
Rosie O’Donnell, best known for her hosting duties on The Rosie O’Donnell Show and The View, has officially left the United States. The outspoken comedian, a longtime critic of Donald Trump, revealed that she moved to Ireland after his victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
O’Donnell, who has publicly clashed with Trump since 2006, confirmed that she left the U.S. on January 15 — just five days before his inauguration. She is now settling into life in Ireland and has started the process of applying for Irish citizenship, as her grandparents were originally from the island.
“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” the 62-year-old shared in a TikTok video. “And the people have been so loving, so kind, and so welcoming. And I’m very grateful.”
Earlier this month, O’Donnell teased her move, revealing she had bought a used car to “tool around the countryside on the wrong side of the road.”
The TV personality made the move to Ireland with her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota, and has stated she will only return to the U.S. when there are “equal rights” for all citizens.
Rosie shares Dakota, who goes by the nickname Clay, with her late ex-wife, Michelle Rounds. Her decision to leave came just months after Ellen DeGeneres also said goodbye to the U.S. Other celebrities have similarly voiced their desire to relocate.
Inside her feud with Donald Trump
Rosie O’Donnell’s choice to leave the U.S. isn’t all that surprising—especially considering her long history of clashing with Donald Trump. The two have been at odds since 2006, when O’Donnell criticized Trump on The View for being too lenient toward Miss USA winner Tara Conner, who had faced allegations of drug use and other misconduct.
Trump fired back, calling O’Donnell a “real loser.” Defending his decision, he stated, “I am a believer in second chances. Tara is a good person. Tara has tried hard. Tara is going to be given a second chance.”
Their public clashes only escalated over the years. In 2014, O’Donnell told People that it was “the most bullying I ever experienced in my life.” She ramped up her criticism during Trump’s presidency, even joking to Seth Meyers in 2017 that she spent “about 90% of my working hours tweeting hatred toward this administration.”
Trump famously referenced O’Donnell in a 2015 Republican debate, when asked about calling women names like “fat pigs” and ”slobs,” responding with, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
”This is a madman”
Even during the 2024 election, Trump took another jab at O’Donnell, saying The View had gotten “so bad” that producers “really need to bring Rosie O’Donnell back.”
O’Donnell, in turn, stayed vocal throughout the campaign, frequently posting on TikTok. In a fiery Thanksgiving video, she warned: “You can’t forget what he’s capable of. … This is not a sane person. This is a madman. You gotta get ready for what’s coming. When democracy falls, fascism takes its place.”
Not everything about the move to Ireland has been easy—something O’Donnell openly admits. One of the hardest parts has been being away from family members who remain in the U.S.
The comedian shared that she still thinks about her home country every day, saying, ”I am hoping that we can turn things around. I’m counting on you, all of you, to do what’s right. And I think deep down inside we all know what that is.”
She also addressed fans who have been worried about her and missed her, expressing her regret: ”I’m sorry.”
Explaining her decision further, she added, ”I just felt like we needed to take care of ourselves and make some hard decisions and follow through. And now, as we’re getting settled, I was ready to post this and tell everybody what’s going on.”
‘Poor Ireland’ vs. ‘I hope you find peace’
Despite calling her experience in Ireland “wonderful” and praising the people for being “so welcoming,” not everyone was thrilled about her relocation.
Critics wasted no time sharing their thoughts online. Some took the opportunity to mock O’Donnell’s departure, with one commenter writing, “Poor Ireland.” Another added, “Glad she kept her promise! May her friends follow.”
Others went further, questioning her commitment to leaving. “I feel bad for Ireland, but good for the States… However, if she is serious, she needs to rescind her American citizenship.”
One person sarcastically thanked her for leaving, writing, “THANK YOU, ROSIE!!! BEST GIFT TO US WHO LOVE OUR COUNTRY!!!”
However, O’Donnell also received an outpouring of support. One fan reassured her, “I absolutely loved Ireland. I hope you find your peace there.”
Others expressed their own frustration with the state of the U.S.: “I don’t blame her. If I could, I’d do the same thing! I’m beyond ashamed of my country and fearful of what’s to come.”
Another person voiced concern, saying, “Please don’t forget us. We can’t leave.”
Some were simply stunned by the situation. “I can’t believe we live in a world where Rosie O’Donnell has to flee from America for safety.”
Whether loved or loathed, Rosie O’Donnell’s move to Ireland has certainly made waves. What do you think of all this? Share your thoughts in the comments.