Why was Irish PM asked about Rosie O'Donnell in the Oval Office?

The Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) seemed puzzled when a member of the White House press corps asked him about Rosie O'Donnell.

Rosie who?

Micheál Martin didn't quite say this, but his instant expression suggested that's what he may have been thinking.

Sitting next to him, the US President Donald Trump had no such doubts.

"Do you know who she is?", he helpfully asked his guest, before declaring "You're better off not knowing".

Mr Martin was in the Oval office for annual St Patrick's Day celebrations hosted by the US President.

Both leaders were taking questions from the media, mostly relating to issues around Irish-American relations, geopolitics, trade, and tariffs.

Then, from left field, came a question about the well-known American comedian and talk show host who is an ardent critic of President Trump.

A US reporter questioned the Taoiseach about Ms O'Donnell's departure from America.

"Why in the world would you let Rosie O'Donnell move to Ireland? I think she's going to lower your happiness levels", the reporter enquired.

Micheál Martin laughed nervously as President Trump told the reporter "Thank you, I like that question".

Up until now, the comedian, writer, and talk show host has not been very well known in Ireland.

That changed after Wednesday's events in the Oval Office, coming just a day after she posted a social media update announcing her move to Ireland.

The president's glee at the question was just the latest barb in a long-running verbal feud between Rosie O'Donnell, Mr Trump, and his MAGA supporters.

In a post on the TikTok social media platform, Ms O'Donnell said she moved to Ireland in mid-January.

She said she has been shown around Dublin and has been travelling around Ireland since her arrival with her twelve-year-old child.

"It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming, and I'm very grateful.

"Although I was never someone who thought I would move to another country, that's what I decided would be the best for myself and my twelve-year-old child, and here we are, here we are".

She said they are both happy since their move but added, "I miss my other kids, I miss my friends, I miss many things about life there at home, and I'm trying to find a home here in this beautiful country".

She then went on to explain why she decided to leave the United States.

"When, you know, it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that's when we will consider coming back".

"It's been heartbreaking to see what's been happening politically and hard for me personally as well".

"The personal is political, as we all know".

She concluded by wishing her fans well, saying, "Protect your sanity is all I can say; protect your sanity as much as you can and try not to swim in the chaos, if possible, but I know it's nearly impossible when you're there in the middle of it".

Ms O'Donnell has also said she is in the process of getting Irish citizenship because she has Irish grandparents.

It is thought she may have relatives in County Donegal where the O'Donnell surname is very popular.

The Irish Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade allows people who were not born in Ireland to apply to become Irish citizens through their Irish-born grandparents.

The process is facilitated through what is known as the Foreign Births Register.

Once a person is entered onto the Foreign Births Register, they are an Irish citizen and entitled to apply for an Irish passport, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.