President Donald Trump has made a statement that has raised constitutional questions and reignited a long-standing personal feud. On Saturday, the President declared via social media that he is considering revoking the U.S. citizenship of actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell, a move that legal experts say would be in direct contradiction to established law.
President Trump wrote, and I quote, “Because Rosie O’Donnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship.” The President further suggested that O’Donnell, who recently relocated to Ireland, should remain there “if they want her.”
O’Donnell and Trump have a history of public disagreements that predates the President’s political career. Recently, O’Donnell has been vocal in her criticism of the administration’s policies, particularly regarding tax legislation and spending cuts.
O’Donnell was born in the United States, granting her citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. According to Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, a 1967 Supreme Court ruling explicitly prohibits the government from unilaterally revoking citizenship. Professor Frost states, “The president has no authority to take away the citizenship of a native-born U.S. citizen.”
President Trump has made similar threats against other individuals, including former adviser Elon Musk. However, Musk’s case differs as he was born in South Africa, while O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship is constitutionally protected.
Since returning to the office in January, the Trump administration has pursued policies aimed at limiting pathways to citizenship and restricting access to green cards. Just this week, a federal judge issued a nationwide injunction against an executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship.
Supporters of the President may view this as a strong stance against perceived detractors, while critics argue it represents an overreach of executive power and a potential threat to constitutional rights.
As this situation continues to develop, it raises important questions about the limits of presidential authority and the protections afforded to U.S. citizens under the Constitution.
