Rosie O’Donnell slipped back into the United States recently for what she calls a “vibe check” — her first return since relocating to Ireland over a year ago.
The comedian wanted to see if the country she left behind still felt like home.
What she discovered during her two-week visit left her unsettled.
Speaking candidly with Chris Cuomo on SiriusXM’s Cuomo Mornings, O’Donnell revealed why she made the journey and what she found when she arrived.
A Secret Homecoming With Purpose
O’Donnell kept her visit quiet, prioritizing family over fanfare.
I was recently home for two weeks, and I did not really tell anyone. I just went to see my family. I wanted to see how hard it would be for me to get in and out of the country. I wanted to feel what it felt like. I wanted to hold my children again. And I hadn’t been home in over a year.
The actress moved to Ireland in January 2025, bringing her 13-year-old daughter with her. Her four adult children remained in America.
This trip served multiple purposes: testing travel logistics, ensuring safety for future visits, and reconnecting with family. Her son is expecting his first child, adding urgency to her need to return.
Why She Left In The First Place
O’Donnell’s departure followed Donald Trump’s second election victory, a political shift she found devastating.
It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally as well.
She previously stated she would only consider returning permanently “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America.”
Security concerns also played a role in her decision. O’Donnell revealed in September that security advisors warned against her attending her daughter’s college graduation.
My daughter graduated college and I didn’t go back because the security people said to me they didn’t think it was wise. Because I think Trump will use me to rile his base.
A Country That Felt Foreign
After spending a year immersed in Irish culture, O’Donnell experienced reverse culture shock upon returning to New York.
I was in New York for the last two weeks, and I have to tell you, it feels like a very different country, a very different place to me.
She attributed her changed perspective to disconnecting from American media and entertainment for an entire year.
Distance created clarity. Without constant exposure to U.S. news cycles and celebrity culture, O’Donnell could observe her former home with fresh eyes.
Life In Ireland: A Different Pace
O’Donnell contrasted her experience abroad with what she encountered back home.
I’m in a place where celebrity worship does not exist. I’ve been in a place where there’s more balance to the news, there’s more balance to life. It’s not everyone trying to get more, more, more. It’s a very different culture.
Living without the constant glare of American fame allowed her to experience normalcy. Ireland’s cultural values shifted her perspective on consumption, ambition, and daily life.
The League of Their Own actress found herself viewing the United States through an entirely different lens than before her departure.
The Energy She Felt Was “Scary”
O’Donnell used stark language to describe her impression of America during her visit.
The energy that I felt while I was in the United States was — if I can use the most simple word I can think of — it was scary. There’s a feeling that something is really wrong, and nobody is doing anything about it.
She expressed zero regret about her decision to relocate.
I don’t regret leaving at all. I think I did what I needed to do to save myself, my child, and my sanity. And I’m very happy that I’m not in the midst of it there.
Planning Summer Visits With Her Daughter
Despite her concerns, O’Donnell plans to bring her youngest daughter back to America during summer break.
I also wanted to make sure that it was safe for me before I brought my daughter this summer, where we plan to spend the summertime off from her schooling here with my family.
Family obligations pull her back despite reservations. Her upcoming role as grandmother adds another layer to her need for periodic returns.
The Trump Feud Continues
O’Donnell’s contentious relationship with Trump dates back to her time as a cohost on The View. Their public battles have spanned years.
In July, Trump escalated tensions by threatening to revoke her citizenship.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her.”
This ongoing feud underscores O’Donnell’s security concerns and explains why she remains cautious about her presence in America.
Balancing Two Worlds
O’Donnell now navigates life between two countries with vastly different cultures and political climates.
Her experience highlights how physical distance can dramatically shift perspective. What once felt normal became unrecognizable after just one year away.
For now, she’s chosen Ireland as her primary home while maintaining connections to family stateside. Whether she’ll eventually return permanently remains uncertain, tied to her perception of safety and political change.
Her recent visit confirmed what she suspected: leaving was the right decision for her wellbeing.