Trump Considers Revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship

President Donald Trump has announced that he is considering revoking the U.S. citizenship of actor and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, citing that she is not in the best interests of the country. This move marks a significant escalation in Trump's approach to American citizenship, as he has previously focused on mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship for certain immigrants. Trump's threat to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship, who was born in New York but currently resides in Ireland, is unprecedented and lacks a clear legal pathway.

Trump's statement, posted on social media, labeled O’Donnell as a "threat to humanity" and suggested that she should remain in Ireland if the country wants her. The White House has not provided any further details on how Trump intends to carry out this threat, nor has it clarified whether he is serious about the proposal. This development comes amidst Trump's broader efforts to narrow the definition of American citizenship, including his attempts to end birthright citizenship and denaturalize certain naturalized citizens who have committed crimes.

O’Donnell responded to Trump's threat on social media, accusing the president of planning to "deport all who stand against" his "evil tendencies." She described Trump as a "dangerous old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy, compassion, and basic humanity." The feud between Trump and O’Donnell dates back to 2006, when O’Donnell criticized Trump's moral compass on "The View," leading to a long-standing animosity that has continued through Trump's political career.

The conflict between the two intensified when Trump entered the political arena, with O’Donnell expressing concerns about her ability to "live through" his presidency. Following Trump's re-election, O’Donnell decided to leave the country and move to Ireland with her 12-year-old child. She has since been vocal about her reasons for leaving, citing political developments in the U.S. and her desire to obtain Irish citizenship through her grandparents.

O’Donnell's departure from the U.S. has not silenced her on American politics. She recently took to social media to blame Trump for the deadly flash floods in Texas, arguing that the president's actions have weakened the country's early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities. This ongoing criticism from O’Donnell has likely contributed to Trump's latest threat, which underscores the deep-seated animosity between the two figures.

The legal implications of Trump's threat to revoke O’Donnell’s citizenship are unclear, as there is no established legal precedent for such an action. The move has raised questions about the extent to which the president can use his executive powers to target individuals who criticize him, and it highlights the broader debate over the limits of presidential authority in matters of citizenship. The U.S. State Department notes on its website that U.S. citizens by birth or naturalization may relinquish U.S. nationality by taking certain steps – but only if the act is performed voluntary and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. A law professor noted the Supreme Court ruled in a 1967 case that the Fourteen Amendment of the Constitution prevents the government from taking away citizenship. “The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born U.S. citizen,” the professor said. “In short, we are nation founded on the principle that the people choose the government; the government cannot choose the people.”