Rosie O'Donnell has returned to the United States to guest host "Jimmy Kimmel Live" for a four-night engagement, during which she has continued her public criticism of former President Donald Trump. O'Donnell, 64, who moved to Ireland in early 2025, framed her return to the U.S. late-night scene as an opportunity to "settle one last score" with Trump.
During her opening monologue on Monday, O'Donnell detailed her decision to leave the U.S., explaining it was partly to ensure the safety and sanity of her child. She recounted a story about her nonbinary child, Clay, informing classmates they had to move abroad because "the President of the United States hates my mother."
O'Donnell's animosity towards Trump dates back two decades, originating from a 2006 appearance on "The View." During that segment, she criticized his bankruptcies and ethics, remarks that Trump later referenced when asked about his tendency to use derogatory terms for women, quipping, "Only Rosie O'Donnell."
"You know, I've been living in Ireland for the past two years because of Mango Mussolini," O'Donnell said on "Kimmel," referring to Trump. "I read that Project 2025 and said, got to get myself out of here."
Jimmy Kimmel, who also has a public history of friction with Trump, announced O'Donnell as one of his rotating guest hosts in June. Kimmel and Trump have been engaged in a dispute since the former president called for Kimmel's show to be canceled after disparaging remarks were made about Charlie Kirk.
O'Donnell also returned to the U.S. earlier in the summer to promote her Off-Broadway solo show, "Common Knowledge," which concluded its run on August 8. She had previously expressed openness to guest hosting "The View," where her public clashes with Trump first began.
In response to O'Donnell's remarks, a White House spokesperson criticized Kimmel, calling him a "no-talent loser" with "tanking ratings" and accusing him of spewing "disgusting lies."