Trump Jabs Rosie O’Donnell During White House Visit with Irish Prime Minister Over Her Move to Ireland

In a characteristically unfiltered moment during a joint White House appearance with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, President Donald Trump took an unexpected detour into celebrity territory—aiming a sharp remark at longtime critic Rosie O’Donnell, who recently revealed that she had moved to Ireland.

The exchange began when a reporter, during the ceremonial meeting between Trump and Martin, lightheartedly asked the Irish Prime Minister why he had allowed the American actress and comedian to settle in Ireland. Before Martin could offer a diplomatic response, Trump jumped in with a grin.

“I like that question,” Trump said. “Do you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is? You’re better off not knowing.”

The room reacted with some laughter, but the President’s remark was just the latest chapter in what has been a long-running and very public feud between Trump and O’Donnell—a rivalry that began nearly two decades ago and has continued across multiple media platforms and political cycles.

O’Donnell, 62, confirmed earlier this year that she had relocated to Ireland, where she is now seeking citizenship. In a personal video shared with her followers on TikTok, she described the move as both healing and necessary.

“It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” she told viewers. “The people have been so welcoming and kind. I’m very grateful.”

She explained that she made the decision to leave the United States on January 15, just days before Trump was sworn in for his second term as President. At the time, she said she had never imagined living abroad, but felt that it was the right move for both her and her youngest child, then 12 years old.

The Trump-O’Donnell feud dates back to 2006 when O’Donnell, then a co-host on The View, criticized Trump over his handling of a scandal involving Miss USA Tara Conner. At the time, Trump owned the Miss Universe Organization and chose to publicly forgive Conner’s reported misconduct involving substance abuse and underage partying. O’Donnell took issue with Trump’s defense, leading to an explosive war of words.

Trump responded by calling O’Donnell a “real loser” and continued to insult her in the years that followed, making her a frequent target during media appearances, debates, and even campaign rallies.

The feud escalated further in 2015 during the first Republican primary debate, when moderator Megyn Kelly pressed Trump about his history of making disparaging remarks about women. Trump brushed off the question with a smirk, saying, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” to a mix of laughter and gasps from the audience.

O’Donnell has long said the fallout from her criticism of Trump triggered a wave of harassment and personal attacks. “It was the most bullying I ever experienced in my life,” she said in a 2014 interview.

Despite the heated history, O’Donnell maintains that her life in Ireland has brought her peace. “My daughters and I are happy,” she recently said. “I miss my other kids, my friends, my life back in the U.S.—but right now, this is what’s best for us.”

While she didn’t specify exactly which civil rights or social policies prompted her move, O’Donnell hinted at broader political dissatisfaction, stating, “When America becomes a country where all its citizens are truly equal and safe, then we’ll think about returning.”

During the 2024 election season, O’Donnell was active online and continued to criticize Trump, saying that she spent “about 90% of [her] working hours tweeting hatred toward this administration.” Her jabs on social media and in interviews have made her a lightning rod for both criticism and support, depending on the political leanings of the audience.

Still, even after years of verbal sparring, Trump occasionally returns to the topic. During a speech at the Al Smith Dinner last year, Trump mentioned The View in passing, joking that the show had declined in quality and that “they really need to bring Rosie O’Donnell back.”

For now, O’Donnell seems content in Ireland, focusing on her family and carving out a quieter chapter away from the political storms of Washington. She says she thinks of the U.S. every day and hopes for positive change.

“I’m counting on all of you back home to do what’s right,” she said in a recent message to her fans. “And I think deep down, we all know what that means.”

President Trump, meanwhile, continues to enjoy strong political momentum. His second term began with a landslide Electoral College victory and, for the first time in his political career, a decisive win in the popular vote—beating his opponent by nearly two million ballots.

Whether Rosie O’Donnell ever returns to America remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the transatlantic feud between her and Trump still has plenty of fuel, no matter how many miles separate them.