Rosie O’Donnell hits back on Trump after threat of revoking her citizenship
The enduring feud between former President Donald Trump and comedian Rosie O’Donnell took an unexpected and dramatic turn this week when Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, threatened to revoke O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship. Referring to her as a “Threat to Humanity,” Trump implied she should remain in Ireland—where she relocated earlier this year with her nonbinary child—rather than return to the United States.
The remarks have sparked a wave of public backlash, legal scrutiny, and renewed attention to the decades-long animosity between the two public figures.
A Long History of Public Hostility
O’Donnell and Trump’s feud traces back to 2006 when, during her stint on The View, O’Donnell openly criticized Trump’s behavior and business practices. In response, Trump launched a series of public insults—attacking her appearance, career, and personal life—setting the tone for what would become a recurring and often toxic public rivalry.
Since then, the two have taken jabs at each other intermittently over the years. But Trump’s recent suggestion that O’Donnell should be stripped of her citizenship marks a new, more aggressive escalation—one that some legal experts say crosses constitutional boundaries.
“I Have No Regrets”: O’Donnell on Her Move Abroad
Speaking to CNN earlier this month, O’Donnell confirmed that her decision to move to Ireland was fueled in part by Trump’s political resurgence and the increasing influence of right-wing agendas like Project 2025—a conservative blueprint for restructuring the federal government should Trump return to office.
“I have no regrets,” O’Donnell said. “I was welcomed with open arms. People here are kind. My child is safe. That’s all that matters.”
The comedian has also continued her political commentary from abroad, using social media and international platforms to speak out against Trump and what she describes as the growing threat of authoritarianism in America.
Trump’s Statement Sparks Legal and Political Debate
Constitutional law scholar Steve Vladeck responded swiftly, calling Trump’s threat “patently unconstitutional.” According to Vladeck, “The government cannot revoke someone’s citizenship arbitrarily—especially not for expressing political beliefs or relocating abroad.”
Under current U.S. law, citizenship can only be revoked under extremely limited and specific circumstances, such as obtaining it through fraud or voluntarily renouncing it. The notion that a former or even current president could unilaterally strip someone of their citizenship is not supported by the Constitution or legal precedent.
O’Donnell Fires Back: “King Joffrey with a Tangerine Spray Tan”
In true Rosie fashion, the comedian didn’t hold back in her response. On Instagram, she posted a selfie with the caption, “King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan wants me exiled. How original.”
Later, speaking on Ireland’s national RTE Radio 1, she elaborated further: “Trump is a danger to the world. What’s happening in America isn’t just troubling—it’s terrifying. Democracy doesn’t survive on fear and revenge.”
She also emphasized the importance of resisting authoritarian rhetoric: “This isn’t about me. It’s about what’s happening to political speech, to dissent, to the rule of law.”
A Broader Warning About Presidential Power
The episode has reignited debate in legal and political circles about how much power a president—or former president—should wield in shaping national discourse, particularly when it comes to suppressing critics.
Even though Trump is no longer in office, his influence remains significant within the Republican Party and among his base. His continued use of inflammatory rhetoric toward political opponents has raised alarms about the normalization of authoritarian behavior in democratic societies.
“Presidents don’t get to punish people for disliking them,” said law professor Maya Lee. “The fact that this has to be said out loud in 2025 is deeply troubling.”
The Power of Voice, Even in Exile
Although Rosie O’Donnell now lives overseas, her voice remains as bold and unfiltered as ever. For many, she has become a symbol of resistance—using her platform not just to respond to Trump, but to highlight broader concerns about democracy, justice, and civil liberties in the United States.
As for the Louis Vuitton-worthy feud? It’s far from over. But in the battle between celebrity bravado and constitutional integrity, many are watching closely—and hoping the rule of law continues to outshine personal vendettas.
