Rosie O'Donnell thanked Donald Trump during a monologue while guest-hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Wednesday [1].
The appearance marks a high-profile return to late-night television for O'Donnell, using a platform of satire to address her long-standing and contentious relationship with the former president.
During the second [2] night of her guest-hosting duties in Los Angeles, O'Donnell addressed Trump directly. She joked that the attention he had paid her over the years had effectively thrust her back into the public eye. "Hi, I know you're watching," O'Donnell said [3].
She continued the satirical tone by suggesting that her current visibility was a result of their mutual antagonism. "Couldn't have done it without you," O'Donnell said [4].
Beyond the political commentary, O'Donnell incorporated personal anecdotes into the broadcast. She mentioned her son, Clay, who is 13 [2]. The episode also featured a performance by a three-year-old girl named Leona, who sang "Let It Go" [2].
O'Donnell also touched upon international affairs during the segment. She made a joke regarding the U.S. role in the Strait of Hormuz, linking the geopolitical situation to her own identity. "If the U.S. is in charge of the strait, then I'm also straight — and let's face it, I'm not," O'Donnell said [1].
The monologue serves as a centerpiece of O'Donnell's temporary takeover of the late-night slot, blending personal family updates with the sharp political wit that defined her earlier career. The guest-hosting stint allows O'Donnell to engage a modern audience while revisiting the public feuds that have followed her for over a decade.
“"Couldn't have done it without you."”
This appearance highlights the enduring nature of the celebrity-political feud between O'Donnell and Trump. By framing her television comeback as a byproduct of their conflict, O'Donnell leverages a known rivalry to maintain relevance in a polarized media landscape, turning a history of personal animosity into comedic currency for a late-night audience.
