Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
Rosie O’Donnell Expresses No Regrets Over Relocation to Ireland Amid Trump’s Second Term
On Tuesday, Rosie O’Donnell shared her thoughts on relocating to Ireland in the wake of Donald Trump’s reelection, expressing that she feels “no regrets.” The comedian and activist remarked that Trump’s second term has unfolded in a manner that matches the dire predictions made during his campaign, stating, “It has been as bad as they promised and even a little bit worse.”
In an interview with CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, O’Donnell reflected on her decision to leave the United States with her nonbinary child, Clay. She cited her concerns after reviewing Project 2025, mentioning that the anticipated changes under Trump’s administration made it clear that it was time to seek a safer environment for her family.
Describing the initial phase of Trump’s presidency as “heartbreaking,” O’Donnell stated, “It’s been personally, very, very sad to watch.” She expressed that her fears about the ramifications of the policies proposed in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a blueprint for Trump’s potential second term, were well-founded, saying, “We were going to be in big trouble.”
O’Donnell also unveiled her new documentary titled “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism,” which focuses on a service dog named Kuma that has significantly aided her son Clay, who is on the autism spectrum. The documentary seeks to highlight the positive impact of service dogs on families navigating similar challenges.
During the conversation, CNN inquired about recent comments made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faced backlash for remarks suggesting that autistic children “will never pay taxes, they’ll never hold a job, they’ll never play baseball, they’ll never write a poem, I’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.”
Although he later specified that he was addressing a “small subset” of individuals with severe autism, O’Donnell strongly condemned his statements, calling them “disrespectful” and “disgraceful.” She expressed concern over Kennedy’s qualifications for his position, stating, “I think he is wholly unqualified to be the head of Health and Human Services.”
Moreover, O’Donnell noted the irony in Kennedy’s comments, considering his family’s legacy with the Special Olympics. She highlighted the importance of treating individuals with disabilities with dignity, asserting that his remarks were “absolutely deplorable.” O’Donnell advocated for Kennedy to either resign or be removed from his role.
In an unexpected connection, O’Donnell revealed that her discovery of the service dog program stemmed from the advocacy efforts of Lyle Menendez, emphasizing the diverse networks that influence awareness around autism and support initiatives.
Source
www.thewrap.com