Rosie O'Donnell jokes about Trump during guest hosting on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Comedian Rosie O'Donnell opened her first night as guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live with jokes about President Donald Trump and recent moves to Ireland, while referencing past TV experience and FCC concerns.
Rosie O'Donnell began her debut as guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live with a comedic monologue that referenced her previous talk-show career and current political climate. She noted that she had not been behind a television desk for more than three decades and contrasted the 1990s, which she described as having a Middle-East war, climate challenges and a scandal-plagued president, with today’s “chill” atmosphere.
O'Donnell said she relocated to Ireland with her 11-year-old son, Clay, after reading about a political initiative she called “Project 2025,” adding that she wanted to avoid “press and paparazzi.” She humorously quoted her son, saying he would miss graduating sixth grade because “the president of the United States hates my mother.”
She concluded by addressing Trump directly, saying, “Hi, I know you’re watching!” The comedian also referenced a recent interview on the On with Kara Swisher podcast, where she dismissed potential FCC criticism, asking, “What are they gonna say, that you can’t say that?”
O'Donnell’s appearance came hours before ABC filed a lawsuit against the FCC, alleging that the agency’s actions constitute a retaliatory campaign by the Trump administration against the network’s free-speech rights.