Rosie O'Donnell Reflects on Move to Ireland After Trump's Re-Election and Apologizes to Irish Taoiseach

In a recent appearance on RTÉ’s Late Late Show, Rosie O'Donnell shared her motives for relocating to Ireland following Donald Trump's re-election. The moment took a turn when Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin was asked about O'Donnell's move during a White House visit, leading to what O'Donnell described as a “surreal” experience.

O'Donnell, visibly unsettled by the incident, expressed her concern for adding unnecessary tension to Martin's diplomatic visit. She stated, "I felt very troubled that they put the taoiseach in that position and didn’t treat him with the respect that a leader deserves." Subsequently, she reached out to Martin via email to apologize, and he acknowledged her message.

The feud between O'Donnell and Trump has a long history, stemming from remarks she made in 2006 while co-hosting ABC’s The View. O'Donnell recounted, “I told the truth about him on a program called The View… he was very angry to say the least, and he hasn’t let it go." This animosity seemingly continues to be a recurring topic in Trump's public comments.

O'Donnell's decision to move came after extensive discussions with her therapist, which started when Trump was nominated for the 2024 presidential election. As she explained, "I had to consider my family's safety and well-being, especially concerning my autistic daughter. The political climate in the U.S. became increasingly frightening."

Reflecting on Trump's surprising electoral success, O'Donnell questioned the implications of his connection with tech mogul Elon Musk, who significantly funded Trump’s campaign efforts. She remarked, “I would hope that we would investigate whether or not it was an anomaly… when Kamala Harris was filling up stadiums, while Donald Trump struggled to gather supporters.”

O'Donnell also voiced concerns over Trump's actions that could impact countless families, particularly those with special needs children. Citing the disbandment of the Department of Education, O'Donnell emphasized, "This could mean dire consequences for funding programs critical for autistic children."

Since arriving in Ireland, O'Donnell has found solace, discovering that her daughter, Clay, expresses comfort in their new environment. Clay recently told O'Donnell, "Mommy, I like it here better. You can just be a normal person.”

Although fully committed to her family’s safety, O'Donnell grappled with feelings of responsibility toward activism. "A large part of me believes I should be in the U.S. fighting against injustices," she said, highlighting her long-standing advocacy for civil rights. Yet, her daughter's needs compel her to remain in Ireland until she completes secondary education.

Looking ahead, O'Donnell remains optimistic about her family's future in their new home, although she acknowledges the magnetic pull of family ties may bring her back to the U.S. when grandchildren arrive.

In her final thoughts, O'Donnell reflected on her mental health since the move, stating, “I feel healthier. I’m sleeping better without the stress and anxiety over what was happening politically in the country.” Her journey embodies a complex mix of personal safety, family commitment, and ongoing social advocacy.