Rosie O’Donnell Credits Trump for Her ‘Refamous’ Status

Comedian Rosie O'Donnell, aged 64, has suggested that former President Donald Trump inadvertently contributed to her "refamous" status, a resurgence in public recognition that followed her relocation to Ireland. O'Donnell had announced in January 2025 that she was leaving the United States, seeking a more peaceful existence in Ireland after Trump's election to a second term. She expressed feeling unsafe in America, a sentiment stemming from a decades-long public dispute with the former president. At the time of her move, O'Donnell provided limited details about her new life with her youngest child, Dakota "Clay" O'Donnell, who is 13 years old. They were residing in a rented property while O'Donnell pursued Irish citizenship for both of them. This period was marked by a protracted exchange of public statements between O'Donnell, a vocal critic of Trump's policies, and the president himself, who had even threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship. Now, O'Donnell is articulating a surprising perspective on their contentious relationship, expressing a form of gratitude to Trump for his role in her renewed prominence. During an appearance on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast, O'Donnell attributed her recent career uplift to Trump, stating, "I feel like recently I’m refamous. That’s what I feel. I told my kids, ‘Well kids, hold on, because mommy’s refamous.’" She speculated that Trump, whom she referred to as "Mango Mussolini," might not realize the extent to which his actions have benefited her career and personal life. O'Donnell remarked, "He didn’t know. If he knew how much he was helping my career and my life, he would shut up about me because, you know, he’s a horrible creature." The conversation also touched upon clips of Trump appearing to fall asleep during public events, with O'Donnell expressing astonishment. She questioned the perception of those witnessing such moments, stating, "I’m stunned by it. Like I go, 'Is everyone looking at the same speech he just gave? Did we hear what he just said? He is asleep again, ladies and gentlemen!' Like, " The comedian's remarks highlight a complex dynamic where a long-standing public feud has, in her view, paradoxically revitalized her career and public profile, leading to a period she describes as "refamous."