In an unexpected moment of levity during an official White House meeting, former President Donald Trump made a joking remark about comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell’s relocation to Ireland. The comment came during a joint press conference with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, who was in Washington as part of the annual diplomatic visit marking U.S.-Ireland relations.
During the session, a reporter posed a light-hearted question to Prime Minister Martin, asking why Ireland had allowed the American celebrity to become a resident, suggesting her presence might diminish the country’s famously cheerful spirit. Before the Taoiseach could respond, Trump stepped in with a quip that drew laughter from some in the room.
“That’s true,” Trump said with a smile. “Do you know you have Rosie O’Donnell? Do you know who she is? You’re better off not knowing.”
While the moment may have appeared off-topic, it reflected the long-standing public rivalry between Trump and O’Donnell, which began nearly two decades ago and often surfaced in the media. Their feud originated in 2006 when O’Donnell, then a co-host on ABC’s “The View,” criticized Trump’s handling of a Miss USA scandal involving Tara Conner, a titleholder accused of substance abuse and behavioral issues. Trump, who owned the Miss Universe Organization at the time, allowed Conner to keep her crown, citing his belief in second chances. O’Donnell questioned the decision, sparking a war of words that escalated for years across interviews and social media.
O’Donnell, now 62, recently revealed that she has been residing in Ireland and has begun the process of applying for Irish citizenship. In a video shared on TikTok, she expressed gratitude for the reception she received overseas. “It’s been pretty wonderful, I have to say,” O’Donnell said. “And the people have been so loving, so kind and so welcoming. I’m very grateful.”
According to her statement, O’Donnell departed the United States on January 15—just days before Trump’s second inauguration—accompanied by her 12-year-old child. She described the decision to move abroad as deeply personal. “Although I was someone who never thought I would move to another country, that’s what I decided would be the best for myself and my child.”
Rosie O’Donnell’s public profile has long included both her comedic career and her political activism. Over the years, she has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies and leadership style. However, her decision to settle in Ireland appears to have more to do with personal well-being and lifestyle than politics.
While Trump’s remark about O’Donnell during the press conference drew some amusement, it was only a brief interlude in what was otherwise a routine diplomatic exchange. Prime Minister Martin did not directly address the comment but quickly returned the conversation to more substantive issues—emphasizing the strength of the U.S.-Ireland relationship, mutual trade, and the importance of maintaining cooperation on international matters.
White House aides noted that the meeting between Trump and Martin also included discussions on immigration, technology investment, and cultural ties between the two nations. Despite the headline-grabbing comment, both leaders reaffirmed their mutual respect and commitment to continued bilateral engagement.
As for O’Donnell, she has not publicly responded to the remarks made during the meeting. Her presence in Ireland continues to be relatively low-profile, aside from occasional social media updates highlighting her new life abroad.
While the moment was brief, it once again highlighted how personal rivalries can occasionally emerge even in formal diplomatic settings—especially when it involves two longtime public figures known for their candor.