Rosie O’Donnell’s Passionate Insights: Ireland’s Charm, Trump Controversy, and Her Captivating New Hulu Documentary
Rosie O’Donnell, the renowned actress and comedian, has been residing in Dublin, Ireland since mid-January, a decision stemming from her pledge to leave the United States if Donald J. Trump were re-elected. Unlike other celebrities who made similar declarations without follow-through, O’Donnell took action. She candidly shared her reasons over a video call, describing how she never believed Trump would secure another term. “If he does, I’m going to move,” she recalled, crediting her therapist for helping create a real plan to relocate. Her pending application for Irish citizenship, however, means she’s currently just a visitor in Ireland, accompanied by her youngest child, Clay.
O’Donnell’s transition to life in Ireland coincides with her effort to promote a new documentary, “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Autism.” The film delves into a unique program where inmates train service dogs to aid families with autistic children, drawing partly from her friendship with Lyle Menendez, a convicted murderer.
O’Donnell’s long-standing feud with Trump began during her time on “The View” in 2006, where she criticized him for his handling of a Miss USA controversy. This public spat elevated her to tabloid fixation status, a position she speculates was fueled by Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. However, in an unexpected turn, O’Donnell reached out to Cohen during his incarceration, forming an amicable connection. “It was so heartwarming and compassionate I actually thought I was being punked,” Cohen said.
The documentary, which will premiere on Hulu on April 22, also highlights O’Donnell’s involvement with a service dog program she discovered through Menendez while visiting him. After initial hesitation, she committed to acquiring a dog for her son, Clay, who immediately bonded with Kuma, a black Labrador mix. The experience inspired O’Donnell to film the documentary, sharing the transformative impact of service dogs on autistic children.
In contrast to her contentious relationships, O’Donnell is known for recognizing potential in others often overlooked by society. Beyond Cohen and Menendez, she has also supported Lynndie England and Reality Winner, offering empathy and understanding.
Despite the new beginning in Ireland, O’Donnell admitted to feeling disheartened watching Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a publicized meeting with Trump. A pointed comment from a right-wing journalist about her relocation led to an awkward exchange, highlighted by Trump’s characteristic insults. O’Donnell later expressed her regret to Martin for becoming the center of an unwanted spectacle.
O’Donnell’s move to Ireland has been a personal journey, replete with intriguing friendships and a commitment to social causes, yet shadowed by her ongoing feud with Trump. When asked if she could find any redeemable qualities in Trump, O’Donnell was firm: “None.”
This article is categorized under O’Donnell, Rosie, Documentary Films and Programs, Cohen, Michael D., Menendez, Lyle, Trump, Donald J, United States Politics and Government, Service Dogs and Other Animals, Ireland, Content Type: Personal Profile.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/12/style/rosie-odonnell-ireland-trump.html
Category : O’Donnell, Rosie,Documentary Films and Programs,Cohen, Michael D (1966- ),Menendez, Lyle,Trump, Donald J,United States Politics and Government,Service Dogs and Other Animals,Ireland,Content Type: Personal Profile
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Publish Date: 2025-04-12 15:05:00
