Credited from: SALON
Key Points:
A reporter at a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin sparked laughter when he asked Martin why he allowed comedian Rosie O'Donnell to move from the U.S. to Ireland. Trump's response to the question, which referenced his long-standing feud with O'Donnell, was, “You’re better off not knowing,” as he broke into laughter alongside Martin.
O'Donnell, known for her criticism of Trump, announced in a TikTok video that she had relocated to Ireland, describing her decision as a necessity for both her and her 12-year-old child amid political turmoil in the U.S. She expressed her sadness over the political climate, stating, “It’s been heartbreaking to see what’s happening politically and hard for me personally.” O'Donnell, who has been a public figure for decades, emphasized the importance of equal rights and asserted that her return to the U.S. would depend on the safety and rights of its citizens.
The unexpected question came during annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the Oval Office. The atmosphere was generally focused on Irish-American relations and policy discussions before quickly diverting to O'Donnell. Despite the tension between her and Trump, she reported having a wonderful experience since her move, highlighting the kindness of Irish people and the beauty of the country. O'Donnell is also in the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, leveraging her heritage through her grandparents.
During the session, Martin displayed a moment of bemusement before refocusing on the main agenda of their visit, while Trump enjoyed the playful jab at O'Donnell, a reminder of their tumultuous history that dates back to their previous public confrontations. The exchange reflects the intersection of politics and culture, where personal narratives resonate against a backdrop of international relations.