In a significant political statement, Rosie O’Donnell has relocated to Ireland following Donald Trump’s election victory in late 2024. The 62-year-old comedian, known for her outspoken views and high-profile media career, announced her decision through a nine-minute TikTok video posted on March 11, 2025. O’Donnell explained that she moved to Ireland with her 12-year-old non-binary child Dakota in mid-January, stating she would return to the United States only when all citizens are guaranteed equal rights.
Celebrity exodus following Trump’s return to the White House
Rosie O’Donnell joins a growing number of American celebrities who have chosen to leave the United States after Trump secured his second presidential term. The Emmy-winning comedian and former host of The View and The Rosie O’Donnell Show fulfilled the promise she made prior to the November 2024 election results.
Several other public figures had announced similar intentions to leave America if Trump won. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi relocated to the United Kingdom shortly after the election results were announced. Likewise, stars including Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Barbra Streisand, and Cher had expressed their determination to move abroad until the political climate in the US changes.
This wave of celebrity departures has intensified following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, particularly in response to new anti-immigration policies and legislation targeting transgender rights implemented by his administration. The political environment has created what some perceive as an increasingly hostile atmosphere for certain communities.
Celebrities who have left the US cite various reasons for their departures:
- Concern over civil liberties and equal rights
- Disagreement with immigration policies
- Worry about media freedom and integrity
- Desire to protect family members from discriminatory laws
- Seeking more inclusive social environments
Personal motivations behind O’Donnell’s Irish relocation
“I never thought about moving to another country, but I decided that would be best for me and my 12-year-old daughter,” O’Donnell explained to her 2.5 million followers. Though she avoided mentioning Trump by name, her video made clear that the current political climate in America motivated her decision.
O’Donnell described her new home as “this beautiful country” where people are “very loving, kind and welcoming.” She and Dakota arrived in Ireland on January 15, 2025, and are currently pursuing Irish citizenship based on her grandparents’ heritage. Despite finding happiness in Ireland, she admits to missing her four other children, friends, and “many things about life at home.”
The comedian has five children in total:
| Name | Age | Current Location |
|---|---|---|
| Parker | 29 | United States |
| Chelsea | 27 | United States |
| Blake | 25 | United States |
| Vivienne | 22 | United States |
| Dakota | 12 | Ireland |
In her video, O’Donnell expressed that the decision was emotionally challenging but necessary for their wellbeing. “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically there,” she stated, adding that she and Dakota needed to “take care of ourselves, make some hard choices, and move forward.”
Media criticism and call for democratic action
Beyond her personal relocation, O’Donnell used her platform to voice concerns about the state of American media under the current administration. She specifically mentioned anxiety about “the disappearance of TikTok” following the implementation of the Chinese platform ban in the US, which Trump granted a 75-day extension in January 2025.
The comedian delivered a pointed critique of mainstream media: “The major news outlets have let us all down in the United States, where the fourth estate is essential for maintaining democracy.” She accused media organizations of “not doing their job” in the face of what she perceives as growing authoritarianism.
O’Donnell concluded her video with a passionate call to action, encouraging Americans to:
- Stand up and use their voices
- Participate in protests
- Demand constitutional governance rather than rule by “a king or one man”
- Reject cruelty as a governing style
- Protect their mental health while staying engaged
“I hope we can turn things around, counting on you, all of you, to do the right thing. And I think deep down, we all know what that is,” O’Donnell stated, emphasizing her belief in collective action despite her personal decision to leave.
Finding sanctuary while awaiting change
O’Donnell’s relocation represents a broader phenomenon of Americans seeking sanctuary abroad during politically turbulent times. Ireland offers her family advantages including European Union membership, English-speaking environment, and her ancestral connections that facilitate citizenship.
For many Americans contemplating similar moves, family considerations often play a decisive role. O’Donnell bringing her youngest child—who identifies as non-binary—suggests concerns about recent legislation affecting LGBTQ+ rights in various American states. Dakota’s wellbeing appears central to her decision-making process.
Despite embracing her new Irish home, O’Donnell maintains hope for eventual return to America. Her stated condition—returning “when all citizens are guaranteed to have the same rights”—reflects both her political stance and profound disappointment with current American governance.
As O’Donnell settles into Irish life, she joins the historical tradition of American expatriates seeking new beginnings abroad while maintaining connections to their homeland. Her story highlights the personal impact of political decisions and the lengths to which some individuals will go to uphold their values.
