Rosie O’Donnell has stirred controversy following her appearance on CNN’s Jim Acosta Show, where she discussed her autistic child, Clay, expressing anger towards Donald Trump. O’Donnell, who relocated to Ireland in January 2025 just days before Trump’s inauguration, revealed that Clay slammed their hand on the table and exclaimed, “Damn him. Damn Trump.” The comedian stated that her child feels they were forced to leave the U.S. for their own safety due to Trump’s presidency, which O’Donnell believes is adversely affecting the country.
During the interview, O’Donnell emphasized that she had no intention of instilling her anti-Trump sentiments in her child. She shared, “I did 22 years. I don’t really need to do [it] anymore, and I don’t want my kid to be so affected by it.” She acknowledged that her child’s autism intensifies their reactions but noted that they are aware of the political climate.
O’Donnell’s exit from the United States reflects a pattern of celebrities leaving the country in response to political upheaval. Despite relocating, she described life in Ireland as “pretty wonderful,” praising the kindness of the locals while admitting she misses some aspects of the U.S.
Her comments quickly attracted criticism on social media, with users accusing her of not taking personal responsibility for her decision to move. Some claimed she is projecting her political frustrations onto her child, while others suggested that she should accept the consequences of her choices.
This latest chapter in O’Donnell’s long-standing feud with Trump has reignited public interest. Their rivalry spans nearly two decades, with Trump often making derogatory remarks about her. Recently, he criticized her citizenship on social media, and at a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, he joked that Ireland would be better off not knowing about O’Donnell.
O’Donnell’s remarks, which reflect a personal struggle amidst political division, have sparked debate about the responsibilities of public figures in discussing their decisions and the impact those decisions can have on family dynamics. The ongoing controversy is a reminder of how celebrity involvement in politics can provoke strong reactions, especially when children are involved, keeping O’Donnell’s narrative at the forefront of public discourse.