Ellen DeGeneres made a rare political statement this week, voicing support for fellow comedian Rosie O’Donnell after former President Donald Trump threatened to strip O’Donnell of her U.S. citizenship.
DeGeneres, who relocated to the Cotswolds in southwest England with wife Portia de Rossi in late 2024, has largely stayed quiet about her reasons for leaving the U.S. However, reports at the time suggested the couple’s move was motivated by Trump’s reelection.
After Trump’s remarks about O’Donnell surfaced on Truth Social, O’Donnell clapped back on Instagram, calling the former president “King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan” — referencing the infamously cruel Game of Thrones character. DeGeneres then showed solidarity with her longtime friend, sharing a screenshot of Trump’s post and writing, “Good for you @rosie.”
Fans quickly praised DeGeneres for speaking out. “The planet is dying and he’s fighting with celebrities,” one user wrote. Another commented, “I love how it’s mostly women who stand up to him.” Others criticized the political silence from former officials: “Where are the past presidents, lawmakers, and leaders? Why aren’t they speaking out?” one asked. Another added, “Best clapback. He loves to get schooled — maybe his followers will learn something.”
Since moving to the UK, DeGeneres has occasionally shared glimpses of her new life. In April, she posted a photo of de Rossi taking a picture of a rainbow, captioned, “Three things that make me happy: My wife, a rainbow, and my wife taking a photograph of a rainbow.”
Meanwhile, O’Donnell has also left the U.S., moving to Ireland with her 12-year-old adopted daughter Dakota just days before Trump’s second inauguration. In a heartfelt TikTok video posted in March, O’Donnell said she’s found peace in Ireland, describing the people as “loving, kind, and welcoming.”
She hinted that Trump’s reelection prompted the move, stating, “When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights in America, that’s when we’ll consider coming back.”
Reflecting on the state of U.S. politics, she added, “It’s been heartbreaking to watch. And personally, it’s been difficult.”
