Trump Threatens Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship After Flood Response Criticism – Breaking News
New York, NY – July 17, 2024 – The long-simmering animosity between former President Donald Trump and comedian Rosie O’Donnell has erupted once more, this time escalating to a threat of revoked citizenship. The latest exchange, sparked by O’Donnell’s criticism of the US government’s response to the devastating Texas floods, highlights a feud stretching back nearly two decades and underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in the United States. This is a developing breaking news story, optimized for Google News and SEO indexing.
Decades of Discord: A History of the Feud
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2006, when O’Donnell, then a presenter on “The View,” publicly mocked Trump’s business ventures and personal life. Her impersonations, targeting his appearance and past controversies, ignited a relentless back-and-forth of insults. Following Trump’s 2016 presidential victory, O’Donnell proactively moved to Ireland, citing a desire to escape his policies. This move, initially a personal decision, has now become central to Trump’s latest attack.
The Latest Volley: Floods, TikTok, and a Citizenship Threat
The current dispute began when O’Donnell posted a video on TikTok criticizing the government’s handling of the recent Texas floods, where over 100 people have perished and many remain missing. Trump responded via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “Because Rosie O’Donnell does not benefit our great country, I am seriously considering the citizenship.” He further added, “It is a threat to humanity and should remain in the wonderful country in Ireland if they want it.”
O’Donnell swiftly countered on Instagram, sharing an old photograph of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender. Her response was a powerful rebuke, framing herself as a voice of truth and decency against what she perceives as Trump’s fear-mongering and divisive tactics. “You call me a threat to humanity, but I am all you fear: a noisy woman, a queer woman, a mother who tells the truth,” she wrote, emphasizing her commitment to building a safe life for her autistic son in Ireland.
A Wave of Support and a Growing Exodus
O’Donnell’s stance has resonated with many in the entertainment industry. Ellen DeGeneres, rarely vocal on political matters, publicly expressed support for O’Donnell on Instagram, writing, “Well for you, Rosie.” This incident follows a pattern observed after both of Trump’s presidential victories, where numerous public figures announced intentions to leave the United States in protest of his policies. Celebrities like Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Barbra Streisand, and Cher have all voiced similar concerns, and Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have already relocated to the United Kingdom.
The Broader Context: Political Polarization and Migration Trends
This incident isn’t isolated. It reflects a broader trend of political polarization and a growing sense of unease among those who oppose Trump’s increasingly restrictive policies, particularly regarding immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. The rise in anti-trans legislation and aggressive immigration enforcement has fueled anxieties and prompted many to consider alternative futures outside the US. Understanding these SEO-relevant trends is crucial for staying informed in today’s rapidly changing world.
O’Donnell, speaking to CNN in April, affirmed her contentment with her decision to move to Ireland, stating she hadn’t regretted it for a single day. She described being welcomed with open arms and is committed to returning to the US only when it becomes a safe and inclusive country for all citizens.
As of Wednesday, July 16th, O’Donnell’s social media continues to be dominated by criticism of Trump, maintaining her position as a vocal opponent. For now, the comedian appears to have the last word in this decades-long public dispute.
The ongoing exchange serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within American society and the enduring power of personal feuds to capture the national spotlight. It also highlights the increasing willingness of individuals to seek refuge and build new lives in countries that align with their values, a trend likely to continue as political landscapes evolve.