On Saturday, former President Donald Trump took to social media to express that he is "seriously" contemplating the removal of U.S. citizenship from comedian and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, who was born in the United States. In his Truth Social post, Trump stated that O'Donnell is "not in the best interest of our Great Country."
Trump further elaborated, "Given that Rosie O'Donnell is not acting in the best interest of our great nation, I am seriously considering revoking her citizenship. She poses a Threat to Humanity and should remain in the wonderful country of Ireland, if they will have her," he stated.
The long-standing feud between O'Donnell and Trump dates back nearly two decades. It began in December 2006 when O'Donnell, then co-host of "The View," criticized Trump’s moral character during his time as the owner of the Miss USA pageant. Over the years, their conflict evolved into personal attacks, focusing on each other's appearance and character. Trump even mentioned O'Donnell by name during a 2015 presidential debate, where he insulted her, and more recently, brought her up in a conversation with the Irish Prime Minister while in the Oval Office.
O'Donnell, originally from New York, relocated to Ireland with her family earlier this year. She remarked on social media, "When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that is when we will consider coming back."
Following Trump's threat, O'Donnell responded on Instagram, "The President of the United States has always hated that I see him for what he is—a criminal, con man, sexual abuser, liar out to harm our nation for his own gain. That's why I moved to Ireland. He is a dangerous, soulless old man with dementia who lacks empathy, compassion, and basic humanity—I stand in direct opposition to everything he represents, just like millions of others."
The Trump administration had pledged to crack down on illegal immigration and issued an executive order to revoke birthright citizenship, although this action has been stalled in the courts. According to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States."
The administration also pursued measures to denaturalize some citizens. In a June 11 memo, Deputy Attorney General Brett A. Shumate wrote that the Civil Division of the Department of Justice "would prioritize and aggressively pursue denaturalization proceedings" for naturalized citizens—individuals who acquired citizenship not by birthright—who have committed certain offenses.
Understanding the Implications of Trump's Citizenship Proposal
Can a U.S. president revoke someone's citizenship?
No, a U.S. president does not have the power to unilaterally revoke someone's citizenship, especially if they were born in the United States. Citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
What is the 14th Amendment?
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensures that no state can enforce laws that infringe on the privileges or immunities of U.S. citizens.
Why did Rosie O'Donnell move to Ireland?
Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland earlier this year, citing her opposition to Trump and his policies, and expressing concerns about equal rights for all citizens in the United States.