Rosie O Donnell Draws a Line against Trump Threats – Rosie O’Donnell, the blunt comedian and one-time talk show host, is once again the subject of a public controversy, resurfacing the almost two-decade-old feud between her and President Donald Trump. On September 3, 2025, Trump took their disagreement to the next level by sharing a twisted photograph of O’Donnell on Truth Social with an accompanying threat to revoke her U.S. citizenship; something he is notable for being unable to do lawfully. O’Donnell, who currently resides in the Emerald Isles, came back with typical fierceness, referring to him as “King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan” and reaffirming her staunch disagreement. As a result of the confrontation trending on platforms such as X, let’s examine the history of O’Donnell’s career, the origins of the feud between the two of them, and the reason that her fearless position has struck such a chord with many people.
Who Is Rosie O’Donnell?
Born in Commack, New York, in 1962, Rosie O’Donnell is a multifaceted entertainer known for her work as an actress, comedian, and television host. She rose to fame with roles in films like A League of Their Own and Sleepless in Seattle, showcasing her comedic flair. Her daytime talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996–2002), became a cultural staple, earning her the nickname “Queen of Nice” for her warm, relatable style. O’Donnell later joined The View (2006–2007, 2014–2015), where her outspoken views often sparked headlines. A proud advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a mother of five, O’Donnell has never shied away from speaking truth to power, which has made her a lightning rod for controversy, especially with Trump.
The Trump-O’Donnell Feud
The feud between O’Donnell and Trump started in 2006 when, during The View, she denigrated his choice to let a Miss USA contestant retain her title after drug-use allegations, denouncing him as a “snake-oil salesman” and charging him with a lack of moral character. Trump fought back with a series of insults, referring to her as “fat,” “stupid,” and a “loser” in several interviews. The rivalry escalated during Trump’s presidential campaign in 2015 when he invoked O’Donnell during a GOP debate, brushing off his sexist insults against women as directed “only” towards her. O’Donnell’s relocation to Ireland in January 2025, after Trump’s re-election, was motivated by fear of the political environment, especially for her nonbinary child. “I realized after reading Project 2025 that it’s time to go,” she said in an interview with CNN, referring to Trump’s policies as a threat to equal rights.
Trump’s Citizenship Threats
Trump’s latest Truth Social posts, one on September 3, 2025, stating O’Donnell is “not a Great American” and threatening to strip her of her citizenship, have caused widespread attention. Constitutional lawyers, such as Georgetown Law’s Steve Vladeck, have denounced the threat as “patently unconstitutional,” pointing out that the 14th Amendment ensures citizenship for those born in the U.S., such as O’Donnell. The Supreme Court’s 1967 Afroyim v. Rusk decision prohibits even the government from revoking citizenship without voluntary relinquishment. Trump’s comments seem to be linked to O’Donnell’s criticism of his government’s response to the Texas floods, which claimed more than 120 lives, and her tweets associating him with Jeffrey Epstein. Much as it is legally impossible, the threat reflects Trump’s trend of going after critics, such as Elon Musk and Zohran Mamdani.
O’Donnell’s Defiant Response
O’Donnell’s clapbacks have been scathing and unapologetic. She posted on Instagram a picture of Trump standing with Epstein and said, “Hey Donald, you’re shaken again? 18 years later and I still reside rent-free in that crumbling brain of yours.” She labeled herself “everything that you are afraid of: a loud woman, a queer woman, a truth-telling mother.” On RTÉ Radio 1 in Ireland, she referred to Trump as “a threat to the world,” pointing to his racism, misogyny, and sexism. Her insolence has struck a chord online, with X users commending her audacity while others taunt Trump’s obsession. One meme jokingly quoted, “Trump BROKE Rosie O’Donnell,” in reference to her confession of depression after the election, though she remains firm in her activism.
Why It Matters
O’Donnell’s rivalry with Trump is more than just a celebrity feud; it’s regarding executive overreach and the elimination of constitutional protections. Her emigration to Ireland, where she’s availing of dual nationality via Irish grandparents, is one element of the increasing trend of Americans looking to flee the chaos. O’Donnell’s outspokenness, from apologizing for the incorrect identification of a Minneapolis school shooter to the policies of Trump, is the adherence to truth regardless of the price. Her narrative is for those who have been made to feel on the periphery, elevating the discourse on free speech and nationality.
Conclusion
Rosie O’Donnell standing up against the threat of Trump makes her a beacon of strength and truth. From the days of America’s darling talk show host to today as an expat critic, she has consistently opposed power with humor and with heart. As the unconstitutional threat of Trump comes to the forefront of our discussions, O’Donnell’s voice, which her “King Joffrey” one-liners have enhanced, reminds us all to speak out. If you follow the drama on X or just see the latest of her posts, O’Donnell’s struggle is a rallying cry to those opposed to authoritarianism. Keep it tuned as it happens, O’Donnell is by no means silent.
