Comedian and former talk show host Rosie O’Donnell has revealed she recently completed a secret two-week trip to the United States, marking her first return since moving to Ireland in January 2025. The 63-year-old actress, who famously left the country following the reelection of President Donald Trump, shared details of her visit during a recent interview with Chris Cuomo.
O’Donnell disclosed that the primary motivation for the quiet visit was to see her children, stating, “I wanted to hold my children again.” However, the trip also served as a personal “test” to see if it was safe for her to enter the country. The comedian had previously expressed concerns regarding her citizenship status after President Trump made public comments suggesting it could be revoked due to her vocal opposition to his administration.
No Regrets About Moving Abroad
Despite the emotional reunion with her family, O’Donnell emphasized that she has no regrets about her decision to relocate. “I don’t regret leaving at all,” she told Cuomo, describing the current atmosphere in America as “scary” and suggesting that “something is very wrong” with the national climate. She noted that she did not announce the trip on social media or through press alerts to avoid public attention or potential legal complications.
The League of Their Own star moved to Ireland with her teenage daughter just before the 2025 inauguration. Since then, she has been vocal about her new life abroad, even sharing updates on her health journey, including her use of Mounjaro for weight loss in mid-2025.
A Legacy of Comedy and Activism
Born on March 21, 1962, Rosie O’Donnell rose to fame as a stand-up comedian before becoming the “Queen of Nice” as the host of The Rosie O’Donnell Show from 1996 to 2002. Her career spans decades of success in film (Sleepless in Seattle), Broadway (Grease, Fiddler on the Roof), and television, including a controversial and highly-rated stint on The View.
Beyond entertainment, O’Donnell has been a prominent LGBTQ+ activist and a frequent critic of Donald Trump, a feud that dates back decades. While she remains a permanent resident of Ireland, she indicated that she will continue to visit her family in the U.S. periodically, provided she feels it is safe to do so.
As of February 17, 2026, O’Donnell has returned to her home in Ireland, confirming that she remains committed to her life outside of the United States for the foreseeable future.