Rosie O'Donnell has offered a new explanation for her two-decade-long public feud with Donald Trump, attributing their animosity in part to their shared New York upbringing and her assertive demeanor.
O'Donnell, who recently returned to the U.S. after living in Ireland, suggested in a recent interview that Trump experiences a "PTSD response" to her. She theorized that as a "tough girl" from his childhood, she may remind him of early experiences where he was rebuffed.
"I think I trigger him like a PTSD response of all his failures in his life as a kid," O'Donnell told Variety. "I think she reminds him of the girls who said, 'You're nothing,' and it scares him."
She expanded on this idea during an appearance on Sophia Bush's podcast, "Work in Progress," agreeing with the notion that Trump is "obsessed" with her. O'Donnell stated that Trump might have grown up with girls like her: "tough, probably gay Irish girls who didn't take s— from no stupid rich boy wannabe."
O'Donnell believes Trump was taken aback when she publicly criticized him, particularly during her time as a co-host on "The View." She suggested he "couldn't believe" she had the audacity to challenge him.
The public disagreement between O'Donnell and Trump dates back to 2006. O'Donnell criticized Trump on "The View" for his handling of a Miss USA winner who faced accusations of misconduct. O'Donnell referred to Trump as "not a self-made man" and a "snake-oil salesman."
Trump responded at the time by calling O'Donnell "a real loser" and "a woman out of control."
Their exchanges continued over the years, with O'Donnell admitting in 2025 that she finds it difficult to refrain from discussing Trump. She recounted attempts to stop talking about him, even vowing to her therapist and social media followers to disengage, but acknowledged failing within hours or days.
O'Donnell's recent comments have drawn varied reactions on social media. Some users have criticized her remarks, suggesting she is obsessed with Trump and that he has moved on. Others have praised her for her outspokenness and strong stance.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.