EXCLUSIVE: Rosie O’Donnell SHOCKED by Ellen DeGeneres’ Departure from U.S. After Trump’s Election—“I Was Surprised to Hear Why She Left”

Rosie O’Donnell, known for her outspoken views on politics, has expressed her surprise upon learning that Ellen DeGeneres, one of her former peers, decided to leave the United States after Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election. In an honest and emotional interview, O’Donnell admitted that she never expected DeGeneres—who had famously avoided political discourse throughout much of her career—to act on her past promise to leave the country if Trump were to return to the White House.

While the two women have had their differences in the past, particularly regarding their political views, O’Donnell emphasized that she harbors no ill will toward DeGeneres. “I was surprised to hear why she left,” O’Donnell confessed, acknowledging that she never anticipated DeGeneres would follow through on such a drastic decision.

DeGeneres, who had been a beloved daytime talk show host for many years, made the decision to relocate to England with her wife, Portia de Rossi, after Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. The couple sold their Montecito estate and moved to a farmhouse in the U.K., marking a dramatic new chapter in their lives.

O’Donnell’s Initial Reaction: Shock and Surprise

In a candid conversation, O’Donnell shared her initial reaction to DeGeneres’ move, noting how unexpected it was. “I never thought she would leave,” O’Donnell admitted, speaking about their past conversations. “We’ve had some differences, but I never expected her to make that decision. But I guess people do what they feel is right for them.”

O’Donnell, who made a similar pledge to leave the U.S. if Trump were re-elected, followed through with her promise and moved to Ireland after the 2024 election. While both women had made public statements about leaving the U.S. if Trump returned to power, O’Donnell’s decision to move to Ireland was made more publicly and with a clear explanation of her political beliefs. She expressed her frustrations with the political climate under Trump, which played a significant role in her decision to leave.

DeGeneres’ Silence and O’Donnell’s Reflection

Unlike O’Donnell, DeGeneres didn’t provide an extensive public explanation for her decision to relocate. In contrast, O’Donnell has been outspoken about her reasons for leaving, citing the political environment and her belief that it was no longer a country she could comfortably live in. This stark difference in their approaches to the situation is what caught O’Donnell off guard.

“I think it’s just a different way of dealing with things,” O’Donnell mused. “I was always very vocal about my stance, and I didn’t shy away from it. But Ellen… she’s always been private, especially when it comes to her politics. So I get why her move was a personal decision. I just didn’t expect it.”

Despite this difference, O’Donnell insisted that she bears no ill will toward DeGeneres. “I don’t want to fight against another gay woman. It’s not like we’re tenaciously opposed to each other,” O’Donnell explained. “We’re just very different people. We have had some stuff in the past that we never resolved… but I wish her the best. I seriously do.”

The Complex Dynamics Between O’Donnell and DeGeneres

The relationship between O’Donnell and DeGeneres has been marked by both friendship and occasional tension. O’Donnell has long been a vocal advocate for progressive causes, while DeGeneres has largely kept her political views private, especially when compared to other celebrities who use their platforms to speak out on social issues.

In her interview, O’Donnell reflected on their past interactions and acknowledged that they had a “complicated” relationship. “We have had moments that weren’t resolved,” she said, but emphasized that her wish for DeGeneres was one of peace and happiness. O’Donnell added that she didn’t feel the need to dwell on past disagreements, saying, “We’re not really in each other’s worlds anymore. And that’s okay. People grow apart.”

O’Donnell’s Own Journey: A Life in Exile

O’Donnell’s move to Ireland after Trump’s re-election was motivated by her own frustrations with the state of American politics. After a series of public spats with the Trump administration, O’Donnell’s decision to leave the country was a statement about her own values and political beliefs. “I never thought he would win again,” O’Donnell admitted. “But I said, ‘If he does, I’m going to move.’ And my therapist said, ‘Well, let’s make a real plan.’”

In the years since her move, O’Donnell has taken up residence in Ireland, a country with a significantly different political climate. While there, she has continued to speak out on issues that matter to her, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

O’Donnell’s decision to relocate was not without its challenges, particularly when it came to leaving her family behind. She spoke about the difficulty of being away from her children but explained that she felt it was the right decision for her own mental and emotional well-being.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy: A Shared Mission

Despite their differences, both O’Donnell and DeGeneres are powerful voices within the LGBTQ+ community. O’Donnell emphasized the importance of standing together as a community, especially in light of the increasing threats faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. “There’s enough room in the world for all of the gay comedians,” O’Donnell stated. “We need to stick together. We’re all part of the same community, and right now, LGBTQ+ people are being attacked. The way they attack trans people is terrifying.”

O’Donnell’s call for unity resonates strongly in today’s political climate, where LGBTQ+ rights are under constant scrutiny. Her comments serve as a reminder that, despite differences, there is strength in solidarity.

Final Reflections: A Complex Journey

As O’Donnell and DeGeneres navigate their respective journeys, the public’s reaction to their decisions remains divided. For O’Donnell, her choice to leave the U.S. was a matter of personal conviction, while DeGeneres’ quieter exit has left many wondering what prompted her decision. O’Donnell, however, remains supportive of DeGeneres, acknowledging that both women have made choices that align with their own personal values.

In the end, O’Donnell’s reflections on her own experiences and her relationship with DeGeneres underscore the complexity of navigating public life, politics, and personal identity. The political landscape continues to evolve, and O’Donnell’s advocacy remains an integral part of that shift.