Rosie O'Donnell has spoken out about her prolonged conflict with former President Donald Trump, describing him as a "bloviating idiot" and stating that his consistent criticism has led to post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a recent interview, O'Donnell remarked that Trump has "not shut up about her for 20 years." She recalled the origin of their public dispute in 2006 when she criticized Trump on "The View" for allowing Tara Conner to retain her Miss USA title after scandals involving drug use and underage drinking. Trump subsequently made disparaging remarks about O'Donnell, including calling her a "fat pig" and a "slob" during a 2015 Republican primary debate.
O'Donnell stated that Trump's repeated public criticisms, which have spanned two decades, have impacted her mental well-being. "It's very strange to have supposedly the most powerful man in the world be your arch nemesis," she told People magazine.
She noted that her decision to move to Ireland shortly after Trump's second inauguration in January 2025 was an effort to "reclaim" herself from his ongoing public commentary. O'Donnell is currently in New York to perform her one-woman show, "Common Knowledge."
Separately, O'Donnell expressed her support for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, with whom Trump has also had public disagreements. O'Donnell is scheduled to guest host "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" starting August 17. "I admire his tenacity and strength. I admire his conviction to speak out against this political terrorism that's happening in our country, and I stand beside him and will," O'Donnell said of Kimmel.
Trump's feud with Kimmel gained public attention in April after the first lady called for Kimmel's termination over a joke made about her. Trump has reportedly urged ABC to suspend Kimmel's show due to other political commentary.