Rosie O'Donnell's Irish move: A protest against Trump

Rosie O'Donnell, recognized for her sharp remarks about Donald Trump, appeared on RTÉ's Irish show "Late Late Show," where she discussed her decision to leave the United States after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. The actress also expressed skepticism about Trump's victories in all key states, suggesting that his largest donor, Elon Musk, might have played a role.

Rosie O'Donnell speculated on how it was possible for Trump to secure wins in every key state. During the conversation, she highlighted that one of Trump's closest friends and biggest donors is "the man who runs the internet." Although she didn't name him, it is known she was referring to Elon Musk.

– I would hope that would be investigated and that we would see whether or not it was an anomaly or something else that happened on election night in America when Kamala Harris was filling up stadiums with people who supported her and Donald Trump was not able to do that – O'Donnell said.

According to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Elon Musk contributed over 280 million dollars (around 400 million CAD) to Trump's campaign, making him the largest donor in the 2024 presidential race.

During the interview, a past conversation at the White House was also recalled, in which Trump, in the presence of Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, responded to a journalist's question: "Why in the world would you let Rosie O’Donnell move to Ireland? I think she’s going to lower your happiness levels." Trump then commented to Martin: "You’re better off not knowing her."

O'Donnell described the incident as "very surreal" and expressed concern about the disrespect shown to the Irish Prime Minister. – I felt very troubled that they put the taoiseach (Irish prime minister) in that position and didn’t treat him with the respect that a leader of that kind deserves when he’s visiting the White House – the actress said.

The conflict between O'Donnell and Trump dates back to 2006, when, on "The View," the actress criticized him for bankruptcies and allegations of sexual misconduct. – I mentioned his bankruptcies and I mentioned all of the sexual assault charges and I mentioned that he was not, in fact the businessman that everyone thinks he is because of the show, The Apprentice, – she explained.

O'Donnell revealed that the plan to move to Ireland was conceived during the 2024 election campaign. – My grandparents are from here … I’m a hundred percent Irish ... So there was no option – she said.

She also chose to leave the USA to ensure her daughter, who has autism, received appropriate educational support. She feared that Trump's policies would negatively impact access to special education. – I have a child who has autism and that child will be denied services and many, many autistic children because the funding for these programs for special needs children comes from the federal government as well as the states – she explained.

The actress admitted that despite her desire to advocate for civil rights, her family's safety was paramount.She expressed that she wants to be a calm and composed mother, but finds it nearly impossible when feeling overwhelmed by U.S. politics.

O'Donnell noted that living in Ireland has positively affected her well-being. "I feel healthier (and) I’m sleeping better without the stress and anxiety over what was happening politically in the country," she admitted in a TikTok video. Her daughter, Clay, also appreciated their new home. - She told me at dinner: "Mom, it's better here. You can be a normal person." I replied: "Isn't that wonderful?" – O'Donnell confessed.

In her conversation with RTÉ, the actress admitted she might return to the USA in the future, especially if her son Blake, who recently got married, becomes a father. In conclusion, O'Donnell emphasized that she feels at home in Ireland. – It's really felt like home since I've been here, – she stated.