In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced he’s considering revoking the citizenship of actress and activist Rosie O’Donnell due to her outspoken criticism of his administration. Legal experts highlight that such action would violate the 14th Amendment, which safeguards the citizenship of natural-born Americans like O’Donnell.
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Key Takeaways:
- President Trump is contemplating revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship over her criticism.
- The 14th Amendment prohibits revoking the citizenship of natural-born Americans.
- O’Donnell, born in the U.S., has sharply rebuked Trump’s statements.
- Similar threats were previously made against naturalized citizen Zohran Mamdani.
- The Trump administration is exploring policies to challenge citizenship laws, including ending birthright citizenship.
President Considers Revoking O’Donnell’s Citizenship
President Donald Trump declared he is “giving serious consideration” to revoking the citizenship of actress and activist Rosie O’Donnell, a prominent critic of his administration. The announcement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the president and his detractors.
“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,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. “She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA.”
O’Donnell’s Strong Rebuke
Rosie O’Donnell, who was born in the United States but currently resides in Ireland, responded pointedly on her Instagram account.
“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,” she said. “He is a dangerous, old soulless man with dementia who lacks empathy, compassion and basic humanity.”
Legal Barriers to Revocation
Legal experts quickly noted that the president lacks the authority to revoke the citizenship of a natural-born American. According to the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment, citizenship cannot be stripped from individuals born in the United States.
FindLaw references that the Constitution does not permit such revocation, underscoring the limitations of executive power in this regard.
Previous Threats Against Zohran Mamdani
This is not the first instance of President Trump discussing the revocation of citizenship. He previously made similar remarks about New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018.
“Look, we don’t need a communist in this country, but if we have one, I’m going to be watching over him very carefully on behalf of the nation,” Trump told reporters. “A lot of people are saying he’s here illegally. You know, we’re going to look at everything.”
Mamdani, who moved to the United States at the age of seven, responded defiantly.
“The President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of my citizenship, put in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have broken any law but because I will refuse to let ICE terrorize our city,” he stated. “His statements don’t just represent an attack on our democracy, but an attempt to send a message to every New Yorker who refuses to hide in the shadows: if you speak up, they will come for you.”
Administration’s Broader Citizenship Strategies
The Trump administration has explored various avenues to alter citizenship policies. On Inauguration Day, an executive order was announced aiming to end birthright citizenship—a move critics and legal experts argue violates the 14th Amendment. Legal challenges to this order are ongoing.
Additionally, the administration has indicated intentions to pursue “denaturalization” as part of its immigration enforcement strategy. This approach targets naturalized U.S. citizens, with U.S. attorneys seeking denaturalization in cases involving “certain crimes.” Research cited by NPR suggests that approximately 25 million Americans were not born in the United States, highlighting the potential widespread impact of such policies.
Implications for Constitutional Rights
These developments raise significant concerns about constitutional rights and the extent of executive power. Revoking citizenship, particularly of natural-born Americans, challenges the core principles enshrined in the Constitution.
As the administration continues to consider and implement policies affecting citizenship, legal experts and citizens alike are closely watching the potential ramifications on individual rights and the fabric of American democracy.