White House Labels O'Donnell 'Nasty' After Kimmel Guest Host Run

Key points

• White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Rosie O'Donnell a 'nasty woman' and 'total slob' in a statement to Entertainment Weekly following her guest-hosting week on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'.
• O'Donnell's final monologue on Thursday included a parody of 'Danny Boy' titled 'Donny Boy,' which mocked Trump's polls, reflecting pool, wig, ballroom, and Iran policy, ending with a call for him to resign.
• During her week, O'Donnell used nicknames for Trump including 'Mango Mussolini,' 'President Oompa J. Loompa,' and 'President Petty Roosevelt,' and made a joke about his relationship with aide Natalie Harp.
• O'Donnell stated she had been living in Ireland for two years due to the political climate, referencing 'Project 2025' and her decision to leave the country.
• ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC on Tuesday, claiming the agency's early review of its broadcast licenses was retaliation for its content, coinciding with O'Donnell's guest-hosting stint.

Background

The O'Donnell-Trump feud dates back to 2006, when O'Donnell mocked Trump's bankruptcies while moderating 'The View.' O'Donnell has previously relocated to Ireland during Trump's presidency, citing the political climate. The White House's response was first reported by Entertainment Weekly. The incident occurred as ABC took legal action against the Trump administration over its attacks on Kimmel, 'The View,' and ABC News reporting.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and Variety reported the White House statement and O'Donnell's monologues, with Variety noting O'Donnell's rep declined to comment. The Hollywood Reporter focused on O'Donnell's joke about Natalie Harp and the crowd's reaction, noting Harp's estranged brother called her relationship with Trump an 'unhealthy obsession' and Trump son Eric defended Harp. Mashable highlighted the 'Danny Boy' parody as a 'musical middle finger' to Trump. All sources agreed on the White House's harsh response and O'Donnell's sharp monologues, but differed in emphasis: Deadline and Variety focused on the White House statement, THR on the Harp joke, and Mashable on the musical parody.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and late-night television, particularly ABC, which has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC. It also underscores the long-standing feud between O'Donnell and Trump, and the administration's willingness to respond to criticism from entertainment figures. The White House's use of the term 'nasty woman' echoes a phrase Trump used against Hillary Clinton in 2016, drawing parallels between the two administrations' responses to criticism.

What to watch

ABC's First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC is expected to proceed, with the first battle potentially about timing. The White House may continue to respond to criticism from entertainment figures, and O'Donnell may continue to mock Trump in future appearances. The legal battle between ABC and the FCC could have broader implications for media freedom and First Amendment rights.