Rosie O’Donnell Returns to the U.S. After Political Asylum

Actress Rosie O’Donnell has recently made her way back to the United States after taking political asylum in Ireland. This return followed Donald Trump’s re-election, during which she had chosen to relocate to Ireland with her teenage daughter.

In a recent chat on Chris Cuomo’s program, “Cuomo Mornings on SiriusXM,” the 63-year-old shared that her visit home was kept under wraps. “I was home for two weeks recently and I didn’t tell anyone the truth,” she confessed. “I went to visit my family. I wanted to know how hard it was to travel in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it was like. I wanted to hug my kids again. And I hadn’t been home in over a year.”

O’Donnell also mentioned a desire to assess the safety of returning with her daughter during the summer to enjoy time with family over the school break.

While living abroad, she noted that she has distanced herself from American media, which has made her perception of the U.S. change dramatically. “I was in a place where celebrity worship didn’t exist,” she explained. “It’s a completely different culture here. And I felt the United States in a completely different way than I did before I left.”

Reflecting on her decision to move, she expressed no regrets, feeling it was necessary for her and her family’s well-being. “I did what was necessary to protect myself, my children and my sanity,” she said.

O’Donnell has had a long-standing contentious relationship with Trump, having publicly criticized him for years, notably dating back to her comments on “The View.” Recently, she shared on an Irish radio show that Trump uses her as a “punching bag” to rile up his supporters.

She also revealed her daughter’s feelings about their departure from the U.S., suggesting that they attribute their move to Trump’s presidency. “I’m so glad I’m not in the thick of it there,” O’Donnell remarked, describing the atmosphere in the U.S. as “scary” and one that feels deeply troubled.

During his presidency, Trump has threatened to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship multiple times. She, however, confidently asserted her rights. “He can’t do that because it’s unconstitutional,” she argued, emphasizing her pride in being an American citizen while also pursuing dual citizenship in Ireland.

Ultimately, O’Donnell seems to find peace living in Ireland, but her roots in America remain significant, particularly because her children live there. “I love the people and their generosity of heart and spirit,” she concluded, indicating that both countries hold importance in her life.