Why Trump Wants to Revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship
On July 12, 2025, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he was “giving serious consideration” to revoking the U.S. citizenship of comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell, calling her a “threat to humanity.” This statement reignited a decades-long feud between the two, raising questions about the motivations behind Trump’s provocative claim.
While the president lacks the legal authority to strip a U.S.-born citizen of their citizenship under the 14th Amendment, the move reflects a pattern of targeting critics, with O’Donnell being a vocal opponent. This article explores who Rosie O’Donnell is and delves into the context of Trump’s statement, drawing from recent reports and their public history.
Who is Rosie O’Donnell?
Rosie O’Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and television personality known for her candid humor and outspoken views. She rose to fame in the 1990s as a stand-up comedian and later became a household name through her work in television and film.
O’Donnell has been a prominent figure in entertainment for decades, earning accolades for her contributions to comedy and her advocacy for social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Her public persona is marked by resilience and a willingness to confront powerful figures, which has often put her at odds with individuals like Trump.
Rosie O’Donnell Age
Born on March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York, Rosie O’Donnell is 63 years old as of 2025. Her career spans over four decades, beginning with stand-up comedy in her late teens and evolving into a multifaceted role as a talk show host, actress, and activist. Her age places her in a generation that has witnessed significant cultural and political shifts, which she often reflects on in her public commentary.
Rosie O’Donnell TV Shows
O’Donnell’s television career is extensive. She gained widespread recognition as the host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996–2002), a daytime talk show that earned her multiple Emmy Awards for its warm, family-friendly format.
She later joined The View as a co-host in 2006–2007 and again in 2014–2015, where her outspoken liberal views sparked both admiration and controversy. Other notable TV appearances include roles in Will & Grace, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and SMILF. She also starred in American Gigolo and hosted Rosie Radio on SiriusXM, showcasing her versatility in the industry.
Rosie O’Donnell Ethnicity
Rosie O’Donnell is of Irish descent. Her father, Edward Joseph O’Donnell, was an Irish immigrant, and her mother, Roseann Teresa O’Donnell, was Irish-American. This heritage has been a significant part of her identity, influencing her decision to move to Ireland in January 2025 with her 12-year-old child, citing concerns about the political climate in the U.S. following Trump’s re-election.
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Rosie O’Donnell Height
Rosie O’Donnell stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall. Her presence, both physically and in personality, has always been commanding, whether on stage, screen, or social media, where she uses her platform to challenge political figures and advocate for change.
Rosie O’Donnell Husband
Rosie O’Donnell has been married twice, both to women, reflecting her identity as an openly queer woman. She was married to Kelli Carpenter from 2004 to 2007, though the marriage ended in divorce. In 2012, she married Michelle Rounds, but they divorced in 2015.
O’Donnell has been private about her current relationship status but remains a vocal advocate for queer rights, which has fueled some of her public clashes with Trump.
Rosie O’Donnell Daughter
O’Donnell has five children, one of whom is her daughter Dakota, born in 2013, whom she shares with her late ex-wife, Michelle Rounds. Dakota, who is 12 years old, accompanied O’Donnell to Ireland in 2025. O’Donnell has spoken about her commitment to protecting Dakota, particularly citing her child’s autism as a factor in her decision to leave the U.S. for a safer environment.
Rosie O’Donnell Children
In addition to Dakota, O’Donnell has four other children: Parker, Chelsea, Blake, and Vivienne, from her relationship with Kelli Carpenter. Her role as a mother is central to her life, and she has often discussed the challenges and joys of parenting, including her efforts to shield her children from the political turmoil she associates with Trump’s administration.
Rosie O’Donnell Parents
Rosie O’Donnell was born to Edward Joseph O’Donnell, an Irish immigrant who worked as an electrical engineer, and Roseann Teresa O’Donnell, a homemaker. Her mother passed away from breast cancer when Rosie was 10, a loss that profoundly shaped her life and career. Her father’s Irish roots have connected her to Ireland, where she is currently pursuing dual citizenship.
Rosie O’Donnell Nationality
Rosie O’Donnell is an American citizen, born in New York, which makes Trump’s threat to revoke her citizenship legally baseless. She is currently seeking Irish citizenship through her family lineage, a process she discussed in a March 2025 TikTok post, stating she would return to the U.S. “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights.” Her move to Ireland was motivated by her opposition to Trump’s policies and her desire for a safer environment for her family.
Rosie O’Donnell Net Worth
As of 2025, Rosie O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated at approximately $120 million, amassed through her successful career in television, film, and theater, as well as her work as a producer and author. Her financial independence has allowed her to take bold steps, such as relocating to Ireland, without the constraints faced by many others.
Why Trump Wants to Revoke Her Citizenship
Trump’s threat to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship stems from a feud that began in 2006 when O’Donnell, then a co-host on The View, criticized Trump’s handling of a Miss USA controversy, calling him a “snake-oil salesman.”
The animosity escalated over the years, with Trump famously responding to a 2015 debate question about his derogatory comments toward women by saying, “Only Rosie O’Donnell.” O’Donnell’s consistent criticism, including her recent TikTok posts blaming Trump for the deadly Texas floods in July 2025 due to cuts in weather forecasting agencies, has kept her in his crosshairs. Her move to Ireland and outspoken opposition, including calling Trump a “criminal con man,” have further provoked him. Legal experts, such as Stephen Yale-Loehr, note that Trump’s threat is unconstitutional, as the 14th Amendment protects birthright citizenship, and the Supreme Court’s 1967 Afroyim v. Rusk ruling prohibits involuntary expatriation.
Some speculate the threat is a distraction from controversies like the Epstein case, as suggested by X posts from users like @ScottWSeattle. Others, like @OurEarthAffairs, warn it reflects a broader intent to target critics, though such actions lack legal grounding. O’Donnell’s response, calling Trump a “danger to the nation,” underscores her defiance, ensuring this feud remains a public spectacle.