Trump suggests revoking Rosie O'Donnell's US citizenship after Texas flood criticism. Can he
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump wrote: 'Because of the fact that Rosie O'Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship.'
He added: 'She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!'
O'Donnell, who was born in New York, cannot legally have her citizenship revoked by the president. Under US law, a person born in the country cannot be stripped of their citizenship by the government.
O'Donnell, who moved to Ireland earlier this year with her 12-year-old son, posted a TikTok video blaming Trump's budget cuts to weather and environmental agencies for worsening the effects of the Texas floods. 'What a horror story in Texas,' she said. 'And you know, when the president guts all the early warning systems and the weathering forecast abilities of the government, these are the results that we're gonna start to see on a daily basis.'
In response, she posted two messages on Instagram, saying Trump attacks her because she 'stands in direct opposition with all he represents.'
Trump and O'Donnell have publicly clashed for nearly 20 years, beginning in 2006 when O'Donnell, then a host on The View, mocked Trump's handling of a Miss USA pageant controversy.
This is not the first time Trump has raised the idea of removing someone's citizenship. In the past, he has made similar remarks about US Olympic medallist Tamyra Mensah-Stock, NFL players who kneeled during the national anthem, and US Representative Ilhan Omar, suggesting they should 'go back' to other countries, despite being citizens.
In 2019, he also targeted four Democratic congresswomen of colour known as 'The Squad' saying they should leave the US if they 'hate our country,' even though three were born in the US and all are American citizens.
However, Trump has also hinted at revoking the citizenship of Elon Musk and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Trump expressed anger at Musk for criticising the newly passed 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which reduces electric vehicle tax credits that impact Musk's companies. Mamdani, meanwhile, has faced accusations from conservative lawmakers of holding extremist views.
While both Musk and Mamdani are naturalised US citizens, legal experts point out that under current US law, the president cannot unilaterally revoke anyone's citizenship, whether natural-born or naturalised.
On Friday, Trump visited Texas and defended his government's actions during the floods. 'My agencies did an incredible job under the circumstances,' he said, according to Reuters.
The floods struck on July 4 during the early morning hours and killed at least 120 people, including many children. Officials at both state and federal levels are facing questions over whether enough was done to warn and protect residents.
(With inputs from agencies)
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