Staff Reports
Rosie O’Donnell, the outspoken comedian and former talk show host, has officially left the United States for a new life in Ireland. Moving with her 12-year-old daughter, Dakota, O’Donnell arrived in Dublin on January 15, just days before President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The relocation marks a significant shift for the celebrity, who has long been a vocal critic of Trump and his policies. In a TikTok video posted recently, O’Donnell confirmed her move and explained her reasoning: she will not return to the U.S. until she feels it is “safe for all citizens to have equal rights.”
O’Donnell’s decision to leave America comes as no surprise to those familiar with her decades-long feud with Trump. Her criticisms of his administration have been relentless, and she has openly expressed dismay over the current political climate. Describing the situation as “heartbreaking,” she cited her struggles with the direction of American politics as a key factor in her decision. For O’Donnell, the move represents an opportunity to prioritize her family’s well-being while seeking solace in Ireland’s welcoming culture.
The relocation has sparked mixed reactions on both sides of the Atlantic. Supporters of President Trump have celebrated her departure, with some humorously suggesting that America is better off without her. Social media users aligned with the MAGA movement praised O’Donnell for following through on her promise to leave if Trump were reelected, contrasting her actions with other celebrities who made similar threats but stayed put. Meanwhile, Irish citizens have responded with a mix of humor and skepticism, with some jokingly lamenting their new celebrity resident.
In Ireland, O’Donnell is in the process of applying for citizenship through her Irish grandparents. She has described her experience so far as “wonderful,” praising the warmth and kindness of the Irish people. However, she admits to missing her older children and friends back in the U.S., noting that homesickness has been a challenge as she adjusts to life abroad. Despite these difficulties, she remains committed to building a new home in Ireland and finding peace in its serene countryside.
O’Donnell’s departure underscores the deep political divisions in America today. Her move is both a personal statement and a reflection of broader frustrations among those dissatisfied with the current administration. While some view her relocation as a symbolic act of protest, others see it as an overreaction to political disagreements. Regardless of interpretation, Rosie O’Donnell’s journey from Hollywood to Ireland highlights how deeply politics can influence personal decisions—and how even celebrities are not immune to seeking refuge from turmoil. For now, she seems content to watch events unfold from across the Atlantic, hopeful for change but resolute in her decision to stay away until it arrives.
