Rosie O’Donnell Voices Concerns Over Trump’s Policies adn Autism Support, Reflects on Move to Ireland
Published: April 5, 2025
In Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell voiced strong concerns about the potential global impact of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Speaking at the annual Same Chance walk, organized by the autism charity AsIAm at Malahide Castle, O’Donnell, who relocated to Ireland with her son Clay, who has autism, several months prior, didn’t mince words.
when asked about Trump’s tariff policies,O’Donnell stated,”I think the impact is going to be horrible for the world. I think his policies are absurd. His presidency is disastrous for democracy and for the world at large.” These comments come amid ongoing debates in the U.S. about the long-term economic consequences of protectionist trade measures.
Economists have presented varied perspectives on the effects of tariffs. While some argue that they can protect domestic industries and create jobs, others caution about the potential for retaliatory measures from other countries, leading to trade wars and increased costs for American consumers. As a notable example, a 2024 report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics suggested that the tariffs implemented during Trump’s presidency led to higher prices for U.S. businesses and consumers.
| Potential Tariff Impact | Arguments For | Arguments Against |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Industry | Protection from foreign competition. | Higher prices for consumers due to reduced competition. |
| Job Market | Potential creation of manufacturing jobs. | Retaliatory tariffs can lead to job losses in export-oriented industries. |
| International Relations | Can be used as leverage in trade negotiations. | Risk of trade wars and strained international relations. |
O’Donnell’s Move to Ireland and Concerns About Education
O’Donnell elaborated on her decision to move to Ireland, stating, “I’ve never had one moment where I have regretted moving here. I was aware of what he was capable of, and I was aware of what his plans were from reading Project 2025, which was available to every American citizen interested.”
Project 2025, a controversial policy blueprint, gained meaningful attention in the U.S. for its proposals to reshape the federal government. O’donnell pointed to specific concerns, adding, “It detailed exactly what he was going to do, and it turns out to be exactly what he has done. So I haven’t regretted for one moment leaving the country with my child who is a special-needs child.”
A key concern for O’Donnell is the state of education for children with special needs. “I was horrified that he has dissolved the Department of Education, which is going to effect children with autism and all kinds of needs in many horrible ways in the United States,” she said.
While the Department of Education hasn’t been entirely dissolved, significant budget cuts and policy changes under the previous administration sparked widespread debate among educators and advocates for students with disabilities. these changes included alterations to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), raising concerns about the level of support and resources available to students with autism and other special needs.
Autism Services: A Transatlantic Outlook
Addressing autism services both in Ireland and the U.S., O’Donnell noted, “definitely a need for more resources.” She drew a comparison between her son’s previous school environment in Los Angeles and the current situation in Ireland. “clay was in a neurodivergent school for the past four-and-a-half years,” she explained. “There are a quite a few of them in Los Angeles. Most of the children attending there were on the spectrum in some capacity. It was a wide, wide spectrum… There was an average of eight to 10 kids in each class. Here, the schools that we have been going to it’s 30 kids.”
O’Donnell highlighted a critical issue facing many families in the U.S. and Ireland: the shortage of specialized autism placements in schools. “There are many families,” she said. “As you know, they slept out this week in order to bring attention to the need for more placements for their children. My child was diagnosed at age two. So for the past decade,this has been the philanthropy I’ve been focused on.”
The challenges O’Donnell describes are echoed by families across the United States. According to a 2023 survey by the Autism Society of America, a majority of parents reported difficulties accessing timely and affordable autism services for their children. The survey also highlighted the need for increased funding for early intervention programs, specialized educational support, and community-based services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
One potential solution being explored in several states is the expansion of public-private partnerships to fund and develop innovative autism service programs. These partnerships bring together government agencies, private foundations, and community organizations to leverage resources and expertise in addressing the growing demand for autism services.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Awareness
O’donnell’s move to Ireland has not diminished her commitment to advocating for autism awareness and improved services. Her participation in the Same Chance Walk underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. As discussions about economic policies and education continue in the U.S., O’Donnell’s perspective offers a powerful reminder of the human impact of political decisions and the ongoing need for extensive support for the autism community.
The Autism Society of America offers resource and support in the United States.
