President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he is “seriously considering” revoking comedian Rosie O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship — a move that legal experts say is not legally possible.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote:
“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. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who was born in New York and therefore holds U.S. citizenship by birth, has been a longtime critic of Trump. She recently moved to Ireland with her family, citing concerns about civil rights in the U.S. In a TikTok video, she said they would consider returning “when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights.”
Legal scholars have pointed out that under the U.S. Constitution, Trump has no authority to revoke the citizenship of any person born in the United States. The 14th Amendment clearly protects such rights, stating that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States… are citizens of the United States.”
O’Donnell responded to Trump’s post on TikTok, calling him “a disgrace” and “a danger to the nation,” adding that her criticism from abroad had clearly upset him. She referred to him as “a mentally ill untreated criminal” and said her opposition to him would continue.
Trump has previously attempted to end “birthright citizenship” by executive order, a move blocked by the courts. Although he signed an executive order this year to protect free speech, critics say he has continued to target media outlets and public figures who speak against him.
Earlier this year, Trump barred Associated Press journalists from White House access and threatened to prosecute CNN. He also called for an investigation into musician Bruce Springsteen, who criticized Trump during a European tour.
Trump’s latest remarks come amid growing concerns from civil rights groups and legal analysts about his use of executive power to go after dissenting voices.
