Ellen DeGeneres has come out in support of her friend Rosie O’Donnell after former President Donald Trump made headlines by threatening to revoke O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship. This incident, which took place on July 12, 2025, has reignited discussions surrounding celebrity activism and the political landscape in America.
In a post on Instagram, DeGeneres, 67, shared a screenshot of Trump’s statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, alongside O’Donnell’s fierce response. “Good for you @rosie,” DeGeneres wrote, expressing her solidarity with O’Donnell during this tumultuous time.
Trump’s controversial statement claimed that O’Donnell was not in the best interests of the country and suggested that he was considering revoking her citizenship. “She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he wrote, despite having no constitutional authority to take such an action.
Legal experts have clarified that a U.S. president cannot unilaterally revoke the citizenship of a U.S.-born citizen. Julia Gelatt, an associate director at the Migration Policy Institute, explained to The New York Times that while citizens can relinquish their citizenship voluntarily, federal courts can only strip naturalized citizens of their citizenship under specific circumstances, such as fraud or misrepresentation. “U.S.-born citizens cannot have their citizenship taken away,” Gelatt affirmed.
O’Donnell, 63, responded to Trump’s threats with a powerful message of her own. “Hey Donald — you’re rattled again? 18 years later and I still live rent-free in that collapsing brain of yours,” she wrote on Instagram. In her post, she articulated her identity as a loud and proud queer woman, emphasizing her commitment to truth and decency. She continued, “You build walls – I build a life for my autistic kid in a country where decency still exists.”
O’Donnell’s post also highlighted the stark contrast between her values and those of Trump, stating, “You crave loyalty – I teach my children to question power. You sell fear on golf courses — I nurture, I create, I persist.” She concluded her message with a defiant tone, challenging Trump’s authority: “You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, king joffrey with a tangerine spray tan. I’m not yours to silence; I never was.”
In the wake of the incident, O’Donnell revealed in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly that she has moved to Ireland and is in the process of obtaining citizenship there. DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, also made headlines last year when they relocated to the English countryside. O’Donnell expressed her surprise at DeGeneres’s decision to leave the U.S., noting that they have not been in touch.
Despite their differences, O’Donnell maintains a sense of goodwill towards DeGeneres. “I wish her the best. I wish that she has peace and love in her life and that she is OK,” O’Donnell said, acknowledging their different paths. She emphasized the importance of unity among LGBTQ+ individuals, stating, “There’s enough room in the world for all of the gay comedians, and we all need to stick together because gay people are the next group to be threatened.”
The ongoing feud between O’Donnell and Trump has roots that date back nearly two decades. Once friends, their relationship soured after a public spat on The View in 2006, setting the stage for a long-standing war of words. O’Donnell, known for her outspoken nature, has consistently challenged Trump on various issues, making her a target for his ire.
As the political climate continues to evolve, this latest incident serves as a reminder of the powerful intersection between celebrity culture and political discourse. DeGeneres’s support for O’Donnell highlights how public figures can use their platforms to stand against perceived injustices and rally their followers in solidarity.
In a world where celebrity opinions can sway public sentiment, the actions of DeGeneres and O’Donnell resonate with many who value authenticity and courage in the face of adversity. Whether through humor, activism, or simply standing by a friend, these celebrities remain influential figures in the ongoing conversation about rights, identity, and the future of America.
As fans of Hollywood artists, it’s essential to recognize the impact these public figures have on societal issues. Their voices can inspire change, foster dialogue, and encourage others to stand up for what they believe in. In this case, DeGeneres and O’Donnell exemplify the strength of friendship and the importance of speaking out against intolerance, reminding us all to remain vigilant in the pursuit of justice and equality.