Full Breakdown
Rosie O'Donnell Guest-Hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! During Host’s Sabbatical
6/24/2026, 12:40:59 PM
Core Event: Rosie O'Donnell Guest-Hosts During Kimmel’s Sabbatical
Jimmy Kimmel announced a two-month sabbatical from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The show will continue with guest hosts, including comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who will host for two weeks. Kimmel will resume on September 2, 2026.
Background & Context
Rosie O’Donnell, a longtime critic of former President Donald Trump, moved to Ireland after Trump won a second term in the 2024 election. In July 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was considering revoking her citizenship, calling her a threat to humanity. O’Donnell replied on Instagram, labeling Trump a criminal con man and noting her citizenship was unchanged. She has visited the United States periodically, including a two-week stay earlier this year.
Official Statements & Responses
Kimmel described his break as voluntary and said the show will stay on air with guest hosts. Trump posted on Truth Social that O’Donnell’s citizenship was not in the United States’ best interests. O’Donnell responded on Instagram, rejecting Trump’s characterization and defending her decision to live abroad. Kimmel also joked that O’Donnell was a favorite of the commander-in-chief, underscoring the political tone of the lineup.
Criticism & Opposition
Megyn Kelly used her SiriusXM program to question O’Donnell’s suitability, citing past remarks about the 2024 election and the MAGA movement. Kelly suggested O’Donnell’s left-wing stance could influence Kimmel’s audience and referenced a clip in which O’Donnell made a satirical comment about MAGA.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was told by some reliable sources that election denialism is wrong and basically makes you an insurrectionist or a supporter.” — Megyn Kelly, Host of *The Megyn Kelly Show*
- “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,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “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 – this is why i moved to ireland.” — Rosie O’Donnell, Comedian/Actress
- “I will be taking the next two months off, this time voluntarily,” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*
- “And… I asked one of our commander in chief’s all time favorites, Rosie O’Donnell, to be here to keep the hits coming.” — Jimmy Kimmel, Host of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trump’s statement implied a pending revocation of O’Donnell’s citizenship, yet later reports confirm her citizenship remains unchanged. No official record details whether any legal action was pursued. Precise dates for O’Donnell’s two-week hosting segment have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
Jimmy Kimmel is slated to return on September 2, 2026. Rosie O’Donnell’s guest-host appearances will occur during the intervening weeks, potentially prompting further commentary from political and media figures as the lineup progresses.
