Origins of the Feud on The View

The infamous feud between Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump kicked off in December 2006 during a Hot Topics segment on The View. O'Donnell took a bold stand in criticizing Trump as the so-called "moral authority" regarding Miss USA winner Tara Conner, who faced allegations of underage drinking.

With a mix of sharp wit and skepticism, O'Donnell labeled Trump a "snake-oil salesman," questioning his self-made man narrative. "This is not a self-made man," she declared, citing the advantages bestowed by his father’s wealth, igniting a firestorm of reactions from Trump and his supporters.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Trump fired back, dismissing O'Donnell as “a woman out of control” and threatening to sue her for making “false statements.” Their war of words only escalated from this point, establishing a bitter rivalry that has endured through various media appearances and social media exchanges.

The public's fascination has only grown, with O'Donnell's sharp critiques and Trump's retaliations turning into a sensational showdown that reflects broader political and social tensions. This all began with a critical moment on a daytime talk show, setting the stage for years of contentious back-and-forth.

Escalating Back-and-Forth on Social Media

Ever since their feud erupted in 2006, Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump have turned social media into a battleground. After O'Donnell’s initial criticisms on *The View*, their exchanges have only intensified, with Trump frequently using platforms like Twitter (now X) to fire back at her remarks.

Trump’s posts often take on a personal nature, as he labels O'Donnell as a "loser" while critiquing her lifestyle choices. In comments about her engagement and weight loss, he attempts to undermine her confidence. O'Donnell, in turn, describes Trump’s tactics as bullying, causing her emotional distress that echoes her childhood experiences.

As Trump entered the political arena, he didn't shy away from referencing O'Donnell in Republican debates. When asked about derogatory language towards women, his retort, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” indicated that their feud had seeped into political discourse, further fueling public interest.

O'Donnell has continually addressed Trump’s taunts, responding with equal fervor on social media. Despite the years of conflict, she acknowledged in interviews that she finds it surreal how he uses their history for comedic relief. Their ongoing exchanges reveal a unique dynamic shaped by fame, politics, and personal rivalry that continues to captivate audiences.

O'Donnell's Decision to Move Abroad

After years of public feuding with Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell made the monumental decision to relocate to Ireland following his second inauguration in January 2025. This move came as a shock to fans and followers who had witnessed the turbulent exchange between the two celebrities over nearly two decades.

O'Donnell revealed in a TikTok post that her decision was partly rooted in her desire for a peaceful existence and to ensure a safe environment for her child, Clay. She emphasized that their return to the U.S. would hinge on whether all citizens could enjoy equal rights—an aspirational goal that resonates deeply in today’s America.

Even after relocating, O'Donnell remains a subject of Trump's jabs, stating that he often uses her as a punchline in his tirades. She acknowledged the irony of being targeted two decades after their initial feud ignited, expressing disbelief that Trump still references their long-standing rivalry.

Despite the challenges of living abroad, O'Donnell is hopeful that someday the U.S. will be a place where equality prevails. Her move to Ireland symbolizes a quest for emotional well-being amidst ongoing political drama, shedding light on the personal impacts of public life in contemporary society.