Rosie O’Donnell Discusses Leaving the U.S.

Rosie O’Donnell shared her thoughts on the impact of Donald Trump’s presidential victories during her appearance on “The Chris Cuomo Project” podcast. She expressed that, after Trump’s first win in 2016, she felt “very depressed” and described herself as being in a dark place.

Reflecting on that period, O’Donnell mentioned how overwhelming it was for her. She noted that, following Trump’s second victory, she decided to leave the U.S. for Ireland, seeking a sense of “self-preservation” due to the challenges she faced previously.

In her discussion, she also expressed disappointment over Americans who, as she put it, believe Trump’s fabrications. O’Donnell revealed that she found it troubling to be in an industry that profits from such untruths.

Moreover, her move was also about being a better parent to her 12-year-old child, who identifies as non-binary and autistic. She mentioned that relocating to Ireland was a way to care for both herself and her child, especially in the face of societal uncertainties back home.

During the conversation, Cuomo asked how the transition to life in Ireland affected her. O’Donnell shared that the Irish people generally appreciate their distance from American celebrity culture, which has allowed her to feel safer and more at ease in her surroundings.

She recalled a moment when an older man bought her a pint of Guinness after learning about her move, which contrasted sharply with the experiences of celebrities in the U.S. under Trump. O’Donnell humorously noted how she was often confronted by discontent in her homeland.

O’Donnell’s candid reflections provide a glimpse into her personal struggles and the broader cultural context that influenced her decision to leave the U.S.