Rosie O’Donnell has voiced support for planned protests in Ireland ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival in Dublin. Speaking to the Irish Independent, O’Donnell said she believes Irish citizens should demonstrate during the visit, calling Trump “the antithesis of everything this country stands for.”
O’Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump returned to the White House in 2025, saying she no longer felt comfortable living in the United States under his administration. Her comments come as several demonstrations are scheduled for the weekend, including a gathering at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin and additional protests in Doonbeg and at Shannon Airport, where Trump is expected to land Saturday evening.
During the visit, Trump will meet Irish president Catherine Connolly, who has previously criticized him, including calling him a “bully” and objecting to his stance on Israel during the Gaza War. When asked about Connolly’s past remarks, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Newsweek that Trump “looks forward to traveling to Ireland this weekend,” adding that his meetings will focus on economic cooperation and international issues.
O’Donnell and Trump have had a public feud since 2006, when O’Donnell questioned Trump’s moral authority during her time on The View. Over the years, the two have exchanged insults, including Trump calling her a “true loser” on Twitter and criticizing her during the 2016 campaign. O’Donnell has frequently challenged Trump’s business record and condemned him in interviews and online.
Trump referenced O’Donnell during a 2025 Oval Office meeting with Irish prime minister Micheál Martin, telling him he was “better off not knowing her.”
O’Donnell told the Irish Independent that she believes Connolly should confront Trump directly during their meeting, saying he has “disgraced the office” and does not deserve respect.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Air Force One on Saturday before meeting Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin at Phoenix Park. He will also meet U.S. ambassador Edward Walsh and later travel to the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg for the Irish Open, where he will stay through Sunday.
Ahead of the visit, Eric Trump told Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ that his father is “willing to open his arms to anyone” and also “willing to go head‑to‑head with anyone,” adding that he hopes the meetings will go well and reflect the respect typically shown during visits between world leaders.
