Donald Trump threatened Rosie O’Donnell with deportation because she’s a comic. The indictment noted that the former president repeated this falsehood on his longshot social media platform, Truth Social. He confirmed that he’s only making this move due to O’Donnell’s opposition to him and went on to paint her as out of touch with the country’s best interests.
Trump’s recently affirmed claim is part of a larger overall trend of questioning the citizenship of those who oppose him. There was an untruthful statement from earlier this month where he attacked assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. He even hinted that the eventual winner of New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary could be undocumented. Trump’s comments about Mamdani echoed his sentiments regarding O’Donnell, indicating a troubling trend in his rhetoric.
There is no legal precedent or basis upon which, as a U.S.-born citizen, O’Donnell’s citizenship could be revoked by Trump. Legal experts unequivocally tell us that existing immigration law does not allow for this kind of retribution against American citizens. Trump’s remarks have raised eyebrows not only for their legal implications but for their potential impact on public discourse about citizenship.
“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” – Donald Trump
In a very public reply to Trump’s threat, O’Donnell has not minced her words. As the daughter of a proud Democrat, she framed every criticism of Trump’s behavior as indicative of his character. She claimed that he is a “criminal con man” who only cares about himself. According to O’Donnell, this epiphany is exactly the reason she decided to move to Ireland.
“The president of the usa has always hated the fact that i see him for who he is – a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself – this is why i moved to ireland” – Rosie O’Donnell
Trump’s threats against O’Donnell are not outliers. They’re an example of a disturbing trend in which he has already raised the citizenship of multiple challengers and opponents. This chilling behavior has rightfully sent shockwaves through the advocacy community, not least for its use of terrorizing immigrant communities. In response to Trump’s rhetoric, a bishop from a major Catholic diocese even exempted parishioners from Mass over concerns about ICE raids related to Trump’s policies and statements.
Against this backdrop of firestorms, Trump can be controversial at least three times over. As he recently appointed Transportation Secretary Duffy to be the interim NASA administrator and announced onerous tariffs on goods imported from the EU and Mexico to start on August 1. His administration has drawn fire for other types of supposed Federal Reserve mismanagement, such as costly renovations at its headquarters in downtown D.C.