Rosie O'Donnell reveals Irish refuge from Trump's America

Rosie O'Donnell, renowned for her sharp comments about Donald Trump, appeared on the Irish show RTÉ's "Late Late Show," where she discussed her decision to leave the United States after Trump's win in the 2024 presidential elections. The actress also expressed doubts about Donald Trump's victories in all key states during the 2024 presidential elections. She suggested that his largest donor, Elon Musk, might have played a role in this outcome.

Rosie O'Donnell questioned how it could be possible for Trump to secure wins in every key state. In the conversation, she emphasised that one of his best friends and major donors is "a man who runs the internet." Although she didn't name him directly, it is understood 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, — said O'Donnell.

According to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Elon Musk donated over €256 million to Trump's campaign, making him the largest donor in the 2024 presidential race.

During the interview, a clip from a White House exchange was 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 situation as "very surreal" and expressed concerns about the lack of respect 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, — said the actress.

The conflict between O'Donnell and Trump dates back to 2006 when, on "The View" programme, the actress criticised 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.

The decision to leave the USA was also made for her daughter's sake, who has autism. She feared that Trump's policies would negatively affect 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 fight for civil rights, her family's safety had to come first.She said her goal is to be a calm and collected mother, but staying that way feels nearly impossible when she's consumed by U.S. politics.

O'Donnell noted that living in Ireland has positively impacted 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 appreciates their new home. — She told me at dinner: "Mum, it's better here. You can be a normal person." I replied: "Isn't that wonderful?" — confessed O'Donnell.

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