In a recent social media post, President Donald Trump stated that he is contemplating the revocation of actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell's U.S. citizenship, citing concerns about her alignment with the interests of the country. O'Donnell, who has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, currently resides in Ireland and is in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship through her family lineage.
The president's comments come amidst a long-standing rivalry between the two, which predates his political career. Trump’s remarks have drawn scrutiny, particularly because a 1967 Supreme Court ruling established that the government cannot revoke the citizenship of a native-born citizen. Legal experts, including Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia, emphasize that such an action would be unconstitutional, stating that citizenship cannot be forcibly taken away by the government.
While Trump has previously threatened to revoke the citizenship of individuals he disagrees with, including former adviser Elon Musk, O'Donnell's situation is distinct due to her status as a native-born U.S. citizen. The U.S. State Department outlines that citizenship can only be relinquished voluntarily under specific circumstances.
In response to Trump’s statement, O'Donnell acknowledged that her criticism of him has led to his remarks, adding that she opposes him at every turn. The ongoing exchange between the two underscores the contentious nature of their relationship and highlights broader discussions regarding citizenship rights and the limits of presidential authority.