Rosie O'Donnell Hits Back at Trump After He Threatens to Revoke Her Citizenship

The long-standing feud between comedian Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump has taken another sharp turn, with both trading jabs following Trump’s latest social media outburst. The former president reignited their public spat by threatening—albeit without legal basis—to revoke O'Donnell’s citizenship. Her response was swift, unapologetic, and aimed directly at one of the most controversial chapters in Trump’s past.

Over the weekend, Trump posted a message on Truth Social targeting O’Donnell, who has been one of his most outspoken critics for years.

He wrote:

“Because of the fact that Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

O’Donnell, who relocated to Ireland with her 12-year-old son after Trump won a second term, has consistently used her platform to challenge and mock Trump’s leadership. But this threat struck a new chord and quickly became a flashpoint across media outlets and legal circles.

Despite Trump’s post, legal experts were quick to clarify that he has no authority to carry out such a threat. Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, explained the constitutional protections that prevent such actions.

“The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born US citizen,” Frost stated. “In short, we are a nation founded on the principle that the people choose the government; the government cannot choose the people.”

Her comments point to the 1967 Supreme Court case Afroyim v. Rusk, which ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the government from revoking a citizen’s status without their consent.

The long-standing feud between comedian Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump has taken another sharp turn,

CNN

Although the legal consensus dismissed Trump’s threat as baseless, O’Donnell didn’t let it go unanswered. She fired back with a pointed reminder of one of Trump’s most controversial associations: Jeffrey Epstein.

On Instagram, O’Donnell posted a photo of Trump with Epstein, a known sex offender who died in jail in 2019 under suspicious circumstances. The image was accompanied by a scathing caption:

"You are everything that is wrong with America and I'm everything you hate about what's still right with it.I'm not yours to silence. I never was."

Understanding the Psychology of Celebrity Feuds

Public feuds between celebrities, like the one highlighted here, can often be understood from a psychological perspective. One such theory is Social Identity Theory, which suggests that people categorize themselves and others into groups, leading to a sense of belonging and identity. This may result in intergroup competition, where individuals or groups vie for dominance, which can manifest as public arguments (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). Social Identity Theory can provide a lens through which we can understand this public spat.

O'Donnell responded on Instagram by posting a photograph of Trump with Jeffrey Epstein.

Rosie O'Donnell/Instagram

The post quickly gained traction, with many praising O’Donnell for not backing down. For years, Trump has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and has insisted that he distanced himself from Epstein well before his arrest and death. However, questions about their relationship have continued to follow him.

Trump once promised to “declassify the Epstein files” as part of his campaign rhetoric, yet both the FBI and the Department of Justice have since announced that Epstein died by suicide, and there is no secret client list implicating powerful individuals. Those conclusions have not been enough to quiet public suspicion, and even some of Trump’s loyal supporters have voiced frustration over the perceived lack of transparency.

When pressed by reporters on the issue, Trump has grown visibly irritated, accusing the media of obsessing over Epstein and failing to accept official findings. Still, the photo O’Donnell posted reminded many that this is a topic Trump would rather not revisit.

The O'Donnell-Trump feud is hardly new, but this latest exchange shows that it remains personal, fiery, and deeply rooted in the broader cultural and political divides playing out in America today. Whether or not Trump continues to escalate the situation, O'Donnell has made it clear she's not afraid to fight back—especially when the stakes go beyond personal attacks and into the territory of constitutional rights.

However, it's also important to consider the role of social media in amplifying these feuds. Research by Kowalski et al. (2014) has shown that social media can exacerbate conflict and hostility, as it provides a platform for individuals to voice their opinions without face-to-face interaction, often leading to more aggressive behavior. This online disinhibition effect could be at play in the Trump-O'Donnell feud, contributing to its escalation and public visibility.

The Impact of Celebrity Feuds on the Public

The impact of celebrity feuds on the public shouldn't be underestimated. Studies such as Hoffner and Buchanan's (2005) research have shown that celebrities can significantly influence public opinions and behaviors. When celebrities engage in public conflicts, it could potentially polarize public opinion, fueling divisiveness and hostility among their respective followers.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the ongoing public feud between Trump and O'Donnell is a complex interplay of psychological factors, including social identity, the effects of social media, and the influence of celebrity on public opinion. As public figures with significant followings, their exchanges have a wider impact on society, potentially influencing public opinion and behavior. Understanding these psychological dynamics can shed light on the nature of celebrity feuds and their societal implications. [Tajfel & Turner, 1979, Kowalski et al., 2014, Hoffner & Buchanan, 2005]