Who is Rosie O’Donnell, and why is Trump targeting her?
Rosie O’Donnell arrives at the ELLE Women in Hollywood celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, in Los Angeles. Image Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Why is comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell dominating headlines once again? Famous for her Emmy-winning Rosie O’Donnell Show, her bold political stances, and decades-long feud with Donald Trump, she’s now at the center of a dramatic clash involving threats to her U.S. citizenship. But what defines her legacy beyond the controversy?
What Made Rosie O’Donnell a Household Name?
Could her “Queen of Nice” persona have been just the surface of a deeply driven advocate? Rising from a stand-up comedian to a daytime TV icon, Rosie hosted The Rosie O’Donnell Show from 1996 to 2002, earning multiple Emmys and nationwide recognition. She also starred in beloved films like A League of Their Own and Sleepless in Seattle, and appeared on shows such as The View and SMILF.
Beyond screens, she’s an outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate, founded the For All Kids Foundation, and supported Hurricane Katrina survivors, showing her commitment to activism and community.
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What Triggered the Feud with Trump?
How did a moment on daytime television spark a feud that still heats up today? O’Donnell and Trump famously clashed in 2006 during her stint on The View, igniting nearly two decades of public retaliation. Trump has periodically targeted O’Donnell via social media, calling her names and even claiming in recent weeks that he might revoke her U.S. citizenship, despite constitutional protections.
Legal experts point to the 14th Amendment: a U.S. president has no authority to strip someone of birthright citizenship. Yet, Trump’s repeated threats on Truth Social, sometimes paired with distorted images, have only intensified the media firestorm.
What Keeps the Spotlight on O’Donnell?
Why does Rosie O’Donnell remain a focal point of both media coverage and political debate? Her outspoken nature, LGBT and philanthropic work, and ripple of activism keep her relevant. She relocated to Ireland earlier this year with her autistic, non-binary child, reflecting both personal refuge and protest against political tensions at home.
Still, she stays vocal, engaging in social media dialogue and responding with wit and defiance when targeted. Through it all, her legacy is defined not only by entertainment, but by empathy, activism, and the fierce defense of her beliefs.