The Ongoing Feud Between Rosie ODonnell and Donald Trump
Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump have been embroiled in a public feud for nearly two decades, a saga that has captivated audiences and showcased the intersection of celebrity culture and politics. Once friends, their relationship soured dramatically after a heated exchange on *The View* in 2006, setting off a chain of events that continues to unfold today. The roots of their conflict trace back to a time when O’Donnell attended Trump’s wedding to Marla Maples in 1993. However, the cordiality between them quickly evaporated. The feud ignited publicly when O’Donnell criticized Trump during an episode of *The View*, calling him a “snake-oil salesman” and accusing him of being morally questionable. Trump’s response was swift and biting; he labeled O’Donnell a “loser” and threatened legal action against her for what he deemed false statements. In December 2006, the drama escalated when Trump held a press conference regarding Miss USA Tara Conner, who faced allegations of drug use. O’Donnell condemned Trump’s actions as self-serving, further deepening the rift. She quipped, “He’s the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America. Donald, sit and spin, my friend.” Trump retaliated by calling her “a woman out of control” and expressed his intention to sue her, stating, “It’ll be fun.” The feud continued into 2007, when Trump commented on O’Donnell’s controversial exit from *The View* following a tense exchange with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck about the Iraq War. Trump initially seemed to side with O’Donnell but quickly backtracked, mocking her in the process. Fast forward to August 2012, and there seemed to be a moment of reconciliation when Trump tweeted, “Rosie, get better fast. I’m starting to miss you,” after O’Donnell suffered a heart attack. O’Donnell was taken aback, replying, “Well thank you, Donald – I must admit your post was a bit of a shock… are you trying to kill me?” However, any semblance of peace was short-lived. In 2015, during a Republican debate, Trump used O’Donnell as a punchline, responding to a question about his past derogatory remarks about women by saying, “Only Rosie O’Donnell.” This comment drew gasps from the audience and prompted O’Donnell to tweet, “Try explaining that to your kids.” The feud reached new heights in 2016 when O’Donnell referred to Trump as an “orange slug” during an appearance on *Match Game*, a jab that resonated with many of her supporters. In August 2018, she took to the streets to protest against Trump, delivering a passionate speech urging political resistance. In March 2025, O’Donnell announced her move to Ireland, citing her Irish heritage and the need for a fresh start, particularly for her child. Trump’s response was to threaten to revoke her U.S. citizenship, claiming she posed a threat to the nation. O’Donnell’s retort was sharp: she accused Trump of being a “criminal con man” and expressed her relief at leaving the U.S. As of July 2025, the feud shows no signs of abating. Trump, leveraging his platform on Truth Social, reiterated his threats against O’Donnell, suggesting that he was considering revoking her citizenship due to her criticisms. O’Donnell responded with a powerful statement, asserting that Trump’s animosity stemmed from her ability to see through his facade. This ongoing saga between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump serves as a fascinating case study of celebrity dynamics in the political arena. Their exchanges highlight not only personal animosity but also the broader cultural divide in America, reflecting the complexities of fame, power, and public perception. As fans and observers continue to follow their feud, it remains a vivid example of how personal conflicts can intersect with national narratives, making it a compelling story worth watching.