President Donald Trump expressed serious consideration of revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship, a move he has repeatedly threatened but cannot legally execute. His latest remarks highlighted the enduring nature of their long-standing public dispute.
Background
The feud between Trump and O’Donnell has spanned nearly two decades, ignited by O’Donnell’s criticism of Trump on "The View" in 2006 regarding Miss USA winner Jenna Jameson. This incident led to numerous exchanges, notably during the 2015 Republican primary debate where Trump singled her out.
Trump’s latest comments on Truth Social on September 1, 2025, rekindled attention to their ongoing conflict. He accused O’Donnell of being "not in the best interests of our Great Country" and a "Threat to Humanity," sentiments echoed from a July statement.
In response, O’Donnell referenced King Joffrey from "Game of Thrones," challenging Trump’s authority, stating, "Go ahead and try, king joffrey with a tangerine spray tan. i’m not yours to silence i never was." This exchange encapsulates the public nature of their rivalry.
Key Developments
Trump’s threats align with his pattern of targeting critics and using social media to vent. His latest pronouncement follows several recent confrontations with journalists and political opponents. Key developments include:
- Trump first mentioned revoking O’Donnell’s citizenship in July 2025.
- O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her daughter after Trump’s presidential victory in March 2024.
- In March 2025, Trump refused to identify O’Donnell to the Irish prime minister when questioned about her move.
- O’Donnell issued an apology in August following an inaccurate assertion about a Minneapolis shooter.
- Her move to Ireland was driven by safety concerns regarding political rights for all citizens in America.
This series of events reflects Trump’s aggressive stance against perceived enemies and his willingness to escalate public disputes.
Industry/Market Context
The political climate and Trump’s use of social media significantly influence these public feuds. Trump has leveraged platforms like Truth Social to engage with the public and criticize opponents, often bypassing traditional media channels. This strategy has become a hallmark of his presidency and subsequent political activities.
Such high-profile conflicts also shape public perception and engagement with political figures. O’Donnell, known for her advocacy and outspoken nature, has a large following that often supports her in public debates.
The implications of such rhetoric extend beyond just personal conflicts. It highlights divisions within society and the roles of media and social platforms in shaping political discourse.
Implications & Risks
Trump’s legal inability to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship does not mitigate the risks associated with such threats. Such actions can foster an environment of intimidation and divisiveness, affecting public trust in political leaders and institutions.
From a political perspective, these incidents can polarize voter bases and reinforce existing ideological divides. They also highlight the limitations of executive power under the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Legally, these claims pose challenges for law enforcement and judicial systems by setting precedents for public officials making baseless yet influential statements.
What’s Next
While Trump’s threats remain symbolic, they may continue to escalate tensions and drive further media coverage. O’Donnell’s efforts to obtain Irish citizenship suggest she plans to remain outside of direct American jurisdiction while addressing her safety concerns.
For Trump, these actions reflect a continuation of his style of political engagement, likely aiming to rally his base and maintain media coverage. However, they also risk alienating moderate voters and allies.
As the political landscape evolves, the implications of such high-profile conflicts will continue to reshape public opinions and political strategies. Both parties will need to navigate these dynamics carefully to maintain credibility and support.
