In a recent social media outburst, President Trump referred to comedian Rosie O'Donnell as a “threat to humanity,” suggesting she should remain in Ireland, where she relocated in January following his re-election. This striking comment comes as the Trump administration faces mounting criticism on multiple fronts, including internal conflicts among law enforcement officials regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, unresolved issues surrounding the decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, and increasing scrutiny of the homeland security chief over FEMA’s handling of the recent crises in Texas.
In a swift rebuttal, O'Donnell took to Instagram to fire back at the president, asserting, “The president of the USA has always hated the fact that I see him for who he is — a criminal con man sexual abusing liar out to harm our nation to serve himself.” She added that her move to Ireland was a direct response to his behavior. Further, she mocked Trump with a post that included a 1997 photo of him alongside Epstein, quipping, “You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan,” referencing the infamous character from Game of Thrones.
Legal experts have clarified that the president lacks the authority to revoke the citizenship of a U.S.-born citizen. Julia Gelatt, an associate director at the Migration Policy Institute, stated, “U.S. citizens can relinquish their citizenship voluntarily, and federal courts can strip naturalized citizens of their citizenship only under specific circumstances.” Amanda Frost, a citizenship law expert at the University of Virginia, emphasized the Supreme Court precedent from 1967 in Afroyim v. Rusk, which affirms that the government cannot sever its relationship with the people by taking away their citizenship.
The animosity between Trump and O'Donnell dates back to 2006 when she criticized him on The View for defending a Miss USA contestant embroiled in controversy. At that time, Trump, known primarily for his show The Apprentice, threatened legal action against the show. His insults towards O'Donnell escalated, with him labeling her “fat” and “wacko” during a 2015 GOP debate, where he specifically mentioned her when questioned about his derogatory remarks towards women.
In other developments, President Trump announced that tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, targeting imports from both Mexico and the European Union. This is part of a broader strategy that echoes previous tariffs imposed under his administration, aimed at reshaping trade relations. Despite having brokered a trade deal with Mexico and Canada to stabilize economic relations, Trump’s new tariffs raise questions about the future of these agreements.
Economists warn that these tariffs could disrupt supply chains and significantly impact American car factories that depend on Mexican parts. Mexican economy minister Marcelo Ebrard has led a delegation to Washington to negotiate terms, emphasizing that the tariffs would be unjust and detrimental to both economies involved.
The newly announced tariffs signify a significant escalation in trade tensions with close allies, heightening the risk of retaliatory measures. The European Union, which has been in ongoing negotiations with the U.S., is now facing the prospect of across-the-board tariffs on goods. Trade officials had previously been optimistic about reaching an agreement, but Trump's latest actions have cast doubt on those prospects.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, the potential for a trade war looms large, with both the U.S. and its trading partners weighing their responses. The growing tension underscores the complexities of Trump's approach to trade and diplomacy, raising concerns about the long-term implications for global commerce.
