Rosie O’Donnell, guest-hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," credited former President Donald Trump with her resurgence in the spotlight and accused him of bringing back "fascism and the measles." O'Donnell made these remarks during her opening monologue on the second night of her four-night stint.
"I’m back in the spotlight all thanks to President Oompa J. Loompa, who is watching us this evening from inside a catering cart," O'Donnell quipped, referencing reports of Trump's travel arrangements after a NATO summit. She added, "You know, I couldn’t have done it without you, sweetie. You brought me back just like you did with fascism and the measles."
This commentary echoed sentiments O'Donnell shared on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast, where she stated, "I feel like recently, I’m re-famous. That’s what I feel. I told my kids, ‘Well, kids, hold on, ’cause mommy’s re-famous.’"
The White House responded to the remarks by sharing a meme Trump posted on Truth Social. The meme depicted O'Donnell engaged in various activities, with Trump appearing in a thought bubble above her, accompanied by the caption, "She (?) is OBSESSED!"
O'Donnell's return to late-night television marks a return to U.S. network screens after she moved to Ireland in January 2025. Their public feud dates back to 2006, when O'Donnell criticized Trump's handling of a Miss USA controversy while co-hosting "The View." The rivalry reignited during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign when he was asked about derogatory terms he had used to describe women, responding, "Only Rosie O’Donnell."
In July 2025, Trump suggested revoking O'Donnell's U.S. citizenship, stating she was a "Threat to Humanity." However, the U.S. Constitution does not permit a president to strip the citizenship of a native-born American, and O'Donnell was born in Commack, New York.
During her first night guest-hosting, O'Donnell had also warned viewers that she intended to continue "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"'s critical stance toward the president, stating, "The President hated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Buckle up, people."