Full Breakdown
Rosie O'Donnell’s Guest-Host Run on *Jimmy Kimmel Live* Sparks Fresh Trump-Focused Taunts
8/23/2026, 10:46:41 AM
Core Event: Week-Long Guest Hosting and Trump-Targeted Monologues
Rosie O’Donnell began a scheduled week of guest-hosting *Jimmy Kimmel Live* on August 17, filling in while Kimmel takes a two-month break. During the opening monologue on her first night, she referenced President Donald Trump as “orange Voldemort” and later performed a parody of “Danny Boy” that lampooned the president’s polls, appearance and recent “Iran” episode. The song concluded with a call for Trump to resign and “make this country great again.” O’Donnell’s stint is reported to span three to four nights, with two additional days remaining at the time of reporting.
Background & Context: A Decade-Long Feud and Relocation to Ireland
O’Donnell and Trump have exchanged public barbs since 2006, when she was a host on *The View* and he was a presidential candidate. After Trump’s 2016 victory, O’Donnell moved to Ireland, citing “Project 2025” and a desire to escape the president’s influence. The move has been a recurring punchline in her monologues, and she has repeatedly framed her criticism as part of a broader opposition to Trump’s agenda.
Official Statements & Responses
The administration also noted that O’Donnell’s jokes add to a “contentious relationship” that has persisted for years.
Both statements were presented as official positions from the White House and the president, respectively.
Criticism & Opposition
Fox News host Sean Hannity rebuked O’Donnell, urging her to “stay in Ireland” and questioning why she returned to the United States while Trump remains president. Both critics framed O’Donnell’s jokes as hypocritical given her self-imposed exile.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact length of O’Donnell’s guest-hosting run. *The Hill* notes she hosted for three days, while *Deadline* describes a four-night stint. No source provides a definitive schedule beyond the August 17 start date, leaving the precise number of episodes ambiguous. Additionally, while O’Donnell’s song lyrics are quoted in multiple outlets, a complete transcript of the performance has not been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rosie O’Donnell is a nasty woman and a total slob whose brain has been completely destroyed by Trump Derangement Syndrome,” — Davis Ingle, white house spokesperson — Davis Ingle, White House spokesperson
- “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, concerning president — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “When everything happened with his uncle dying, I wrote him, and he wrote back,” — Nasty’ Rosie O’Donnell, shots at president — Rosie O’Donnell, comedian
- “She supposedly left because Trump was elected and last time I checked he’s still here. So why’s she here?” — Commentator Tomi Lahren — Tomi Lahren, commentator
- “A special hello to those of you watching from home and from the White House,” — Nasty’ Rosie O’Donnell, shots at president — Rosie O’Donnell, comedian
What’s Next: Remaining Episodes and Ongoing Commentary
At the time of reporting, O’Donnell had two more days left in her guest-hosting rotation.
