President calls comedian “a threat to humanity” in latest escalation of nearly two-decade dispute
Published on otatso.uk
Table of Contents
- Legal Experts Question Presidential Authority
- O’Donnell Fires Back from Ireland
- Decades-Long Feud Continues
- Part of Broader Immigration Stance
- Pattern of Targeting Critics
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he is giving “serious consideration” to revoking comedian Rosie O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship, marking the latest escalation in a feud that has spanned nearly two decades.
In a Truth Social post, Trump 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!”
Legal Experts Question Presidential Authority
Legal scholars have long noted that the president cannot revoke the citizenship of someone born in the United States. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution clearly states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University Law School and Fox News legal analyst, told reporters: “I know of no basis that could be used to strip Rosie O’Donnell of citizenship.”
O’Donnell, who was born in New York, is therefore protected by constitutional law from having her citizenship revoked.
O’Donnell Fires Back from Ireland
The comedian, who moved her family to Ireland earlier this year, responded forcefully to Trump’s threat on TikTok, calling the president “a disgrace to all our beautiful country stands for” and “a danger to the nation.”
In her response, O’Donnell wrote: “the potus ladies n gentlemen is a disgrace to all our beautiful country stands for – he is a danger to the nation – a mentally ill untreated criminal who lied to america for a decade on the apprentice… add me to the list of people who oppose him at every turn – its now or never america 🇺🇸 – my little posts from dublin upset him.”
Decades-Long Feud Continues
The dispute between Trump and O’Donnell began in December 2006 when the former co-host of The View criticized Trump’s moral character during his tenure as owner of the Miss USA pageant. The feud has since escalated into personal attacks on appearance and character, with Trump mentioning O’Donnell by name during a 2015 presidential debate.
O’Donnell announced her move to Ireland in January, just ahead of Trump’s second inauguration. In a TikTok video, she explained: “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
Part of Broader Immigration Stance
Trump’s threat comes amid his administration’s hardline stance on immigration and citizenship. The Trump administration has issued an executive order to revoke birthright citizenship, though this measure is currently tied up in courts.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ended the use of nationwide injunctions by federal judges, potentially clearing the way for Trump’s restrictions on automatic U.S. citizenship to take effect in some states while remaining blocked in others, as injunctions issued by more than 20 states remain in place.
Pattern of Targeting Critics
Despite signing an executive order earlier this year to ensure that the federal government would not engage in “any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen,” Trump has sought to sanction dissenting voices.
Recent examples include threatening to prosecute CNN for reporting on an app that tracks ICE agent sightings, barring AP reporters from White House venues over stylebook issues, and calling for a “major investigation” of Bruce Springsteen over alleged campaign endorsement payments.
O’Donnell has continued to be critical of Trump on social media, recently blaming the president’s “horrible decisions” for various national issues, including cuts to the National Weather Service and deaths in Texas flash floods.
The constitutional protection of birthright citizenship means Trump’s threat against O’Donnell is unlikely to be legally enforceable, regardless of his administration’s broader immigration policies.
A passionate content creator specializing in viral trends, fashion, beauty, and news. With a keen eye for the latest in style and pop culture, Dilshan Senarath delivers fresh, engaging insights that keep audiences informed and inspired. Expertise in curating viral stories with style and impact.
