Rosie O’Donnell is once again making headlines over President Donald Trump, this time after criticizing what she described as his alleged involvement in a FIFA decision during the United States’ World Cup run.
In an interview with Variety, O’Donnell said she was “horrified” by what she claimed was Trump’s request that FIFA President Gianni Infantino rescind a red card issued to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium. O’Donnell presented the allegation as an example of what she believes is Trump’s ability to influence institutions without facing meaningful resistance.
“He is able to get away with pretty much everything, and it’s sickening,” O’Donnell told the outlet.
She argued that neither politicians nor fans should have any role in overturning an official’s decision during a sporting event.
“The fact that he called up FIFA and had the penalty revoked for the American team and America was like, ‘Yeah, that’s good! I didn’t think it was a red card anyway!’ Well, you’re not the freakin’ ref!” she said. “You don’t get to decide! Since when does he get to make and change the rules, the goalposts, whatever metaphor you want to use, and everyone just sits by and shrugs their shoulders?”
O’Donnell also criticized the response from those involved with the U.S. team, saying she believed players and coaches should have objected if outside influence had affected the match.
“The fact that [Balogun] did not say, ‘I will not play this game,’ and the fact that the coach of the American team did not say, ‘This is not how we win,’ and that everyone was just like, ‘Well, whatever!’ I was horrified,” she said.
She continued, “I’m horrified that he is able to get away with pretty much everything, and it’s sickening.”
O’Donnell expanded her criticism beyond soccer, repeating longstanding attacks on the president.
“This is a man who has been a failure at everything he’s ever tried, and he is mediocre beyond mediocre,” she told Variety. “And the fact that he is running our nation is an abomination. It’s the worst thing that ever happened to our country and I think it needs to be rectified sooner rather than later if we are to remain a democratic republic.”
The actress moved to Ireland in 2025 after saying she no longer wanted to live in the United States following Trump’s return to office. Since then, she has remained politically active, frequently posting videos on TikTok criticizing the administration and commenting on current events.
Her social media activity has included warnings about Trump’s presidency and speculation about future political developments. Those posts have continued to draw attention from supporters and critics alike.
O’Donnell also acknowledged the personal toll that politics has taken on her, telling Variety, “I don’t want to have the stress and anxiety associated with the constant barrage of him.”
