Full Breakdown
Rosie O'Donnell Says Donald Trump Is Obsessed With Her: A Renewed Feud
7/18/2026, 10:19:49 PM
Feud Resurfaces: O'Donnell Accuses Trump of Obsession
Former “The View” co-host Rosie O'Donnell has again asserted that President Donald Trump is “obsessed” with her. Appearing on actress Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast, O'Donnell claimed the president’s fixation stems from his upbringing among “tough, probably gay Irish girls” and that she deliberately provokes him. She also disclosed that her therapist has warned her to curb her own preoccupation with Trump, a counsel she has attempted to follow twice but abandoned within minutes.
Historical Context of the Trump–O'Donnell Rivalry
The antagonism dates to 2006, when O'Donnell, then a co-host on “The View,” criticized Trump’s leniency toward a Miss USA contestant accused of drug use, labeling him “not a self-made man” and a “snake-oil salesman.” Trump retaliated by calling O'Donnell a “real loser” and “a woman out of control.” The exchange has persisted for more than two decades, with O'Donnell repeatedly mentioning Trump in interviews, social-media posts, and public appearances. In 2025 she admitted she could not resist talking about him, breaking a self-imposed vow to stay silent for several days.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s past remarks constitute the only direct official response recorded: he described O'Donnell as a “real loser” and “a woman out of control.” O'Donnell’s therapist, unnamed in the reports, advised her to limit discussion of the president for mental-health reasons, a recommendation she publicly acknowledged but quickly disregarded.
Criticism & Opposition
Public reaction on platforms such as X has been sharply divided. Some commenters dismissed O'Donnell as “deluded” and accused her of “living rent-free in her own head,” while others praised her “strong spine” and expressed support for her willingness to confront Trump.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But I think I’m one of those tough girls from elementary school and junior high that said to him, 'Shut the hell up! You’re not playing with us. Get out of here, you freakin’ idiot!' And he never got past it. I think I trigger him like a PTSD response of all his failures in his life as a kid.” — Rosie O'Donnell, interview with *Variety*
- “he grew up with girls like me – tough, probably gay Irish girls who didn't take s— from no stupid rich boy wannabe.” — Rosie O'Donnell, *Work in Progress* podcast
- “asshole liar, megalomaniac, no social skills, no empathy, no compassion. I would have told him to his face,” — Rosie O'Donnell, Breitbart article
- “The guy, he’s obsessed with me, obviously.” — Rosie O'Donnell, 2008 appearance on *The View*
The renewed claims illustrate how a long-standing personal feud continues to generate media attention, even as both participants receive criticism for perpetuating the conflict.
