The remark immediately drew attention because of the long-running public battle between Trump and O’Donnell, a dispute that has stretched for nearly two decades and frequently played out across television, social media, and campaign events.
Kimmel’s announcement also comes after renewed scrutiny surrounding his own show. The host recently faced criticism over comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting widespread backlash from conservatives and renewed debate over political rhetoric in late-night television.
Meanwhile, Kimmel noted that his summer break is “voluntary this time,” a line many viewers interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek joke about past speculation surrounding the future of his program.
Rosie O’Donnell’s return to American television is notable for another reason. Earlier this year, the comedian revealed that she had relocated to Ireland following the 2024 presidential election, explaining that concerns involving her child and her own mental health influenced the decision.
Despite living overseas, O’Donnell has continued to speak publicly about American politics. Her upcoming guest-hosting appearance on ABC marks one of her highest-profile television roles since moving abroad.
The rivalry between Trump and O’Donnell dates back to 2006 after she criticized him on The View, referring to him as a “snake-oil salesman” while discussing his business record.
Trump responded publicly, calling O’Donnell “a woman out of control,” launching what became one of the entertainment world’s most recognizable celebrity feuds.
The two have continued exchanging criticism for years. More recently, Trump posted that O’Donnell was “not a Great American and is, in my opinion, incapable of being so,” while discussing whether her citizenship should be reconsidered. O’Donnell dismissed the remarks and accused Trump of using public feuds to distract from other issues.
Although several celebrities will rotate through Kimmel’s chair during the summer—including Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Ike Barinholtz, Colman Domingo, and Jelly Roll—O’Donnell was the only guest Kimmel specifically introduced with a joke referencing Trump.
That decision has fueled fresh criticism from conservatives who argue that late-night television has become increasingly focused on partisan political commentary instead of broader comedy.
For decades, hosts such as Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and Jay Leno built reputations by making jokes about politicians from both major parties. Critics of today’s late-night landscape argue that many current programs have shifted toward targeting primarily conservative political figures, while supporters contend that comedians simply respond to the news of the day.
The debate has intensified as television ratings for traditional late-night programming have declined across the industry amid changing viewing habits and increased competition from streaming platforms, podcasts, and social media.
O’Donnell has remained outspoken politically throughout 2025. During a recent appearance on Jim Acosta’s podcast, she argued that Kamala Harris won the 2024 election, a claim that conflicts with the certified election results recognizing Donald Trump as the winner.
Her comments quickly circulated online, adding another layer of controversy ahead of her guest-hosting appearance.
ABC, which is owned by Disney, now finds itself once again at the center of America’s ongoing political and cultural debates. While supporters view O’Donnell’s appearance as another example of comedians exercising free expression, critics argue that her selection reflects what they see as an increasingly partisan direction for network late-night programming.
O’Donnell has generated controversy over the years for numerous public statements beyond her criticism of Trump. She once remarked on live television that “radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam.” She also faced significant backlash after discussing theories related to the September 11 terrorist attacks on The View, questioning aspects of the official explanation.
Whether audiences tune in for comedy, politics, or controversy, O’Donnell’s return to network television is likely to generate attention throughout Kimmel’s summer hiatus. For supporters, it is another chapter in one of entertainment’s longest-running celebrity feuds. For critics, it is further evidence that political conflict has become an increasingly prominent feature of modern late-night television.
