President Donald Trump has escalated his long‑running feud with comedian Rosie O’Donnell by publicly threatening to strip her American citizenship. Trump’s declaration on Truth Social has ignited a heated debate about presidential authority and constitutional protections.
Who Is Rosie O’Donnell?
Rosie O’Donnell, born Roseann O’Donnell on March 21, 1962 in Commack, New York, is a prominent American actress and comedian . Rising to fame with The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996–2002), she is an Emmy-winning star who continues to be active as an outspoken advocate and media personality. O’Donnell relocated to Ireland early in 2025, citing concerns over political and personal well-being in the U.S..
Where Was Rosie O’Donnell Born & Is She American?
O’Donnell was born in New York, making her a natural‑born U.S. citizen protected under the 14th Amendment . Moving abroad or acquiring new citizenship does not nullify her status as American.
Trump’s Citizenship Threat
On July 12, Trump posted:
“Because Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” .
Can the President Revoke Citizenship?
Short answer: No. Legal scholars unanimously assert that a president cannot revoke citizenship from someone born in the U.S.:
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The 14th Amendment safeguards citizenship by birthrights.
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In a 1967 Supreme Court case, the Court ruled that voluntary renunciation, not revocation, is required.
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Experts like Amanda Frost of UVA Law stress that Trump does not possess constitutional authority to strip citizenship.
Trump–O’Donnell Feud Resurfaces
Their contentious history dates back to the early 2000s, with O’Donnell first criticizing Trump on The View. The latest clash stems from O’Donnell’s public condemnation of Trump’s policies, including his economic agenda and Texas flood responses . Trump responded by branding her a “threat to humanity,” calling for her to stay in Ireland.
O’Donnell fired back on Instagram calling Trump “a dangerous old soulless man with dementia” and reaffirmed her stance on speaking truth regardless of consequences.
Trump’s actions come amid a broader expansion of executive power during his current presidency. Critics argue his threat represents an unprecedented weaponization of citizenship rights, targeting dissenters under the guise of patriotism.
President Trump, now serving his second term, has openly threatened to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship—an action widely recognized as constitutionally impossible. Born in New York and protected by the 14th Amendment, O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship cannot be stripped by executive decree. The incident underscores current tensions over freedom of expression, the boundaries of presidential authority, and the integrity of American constitutional norms.
