Rosie O’Donnell Shines in ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Hosting Debut, Attacks ‘Mango Mussolini’ Trump and Gives Moving Hayden Panettiere Tribute

Rosie O’Donnell took over as host for Jimmy Kimmel’s show on Monday night, immediately making her presence known by targeting President Donald Trump during her opening monologue. "They said you can’t come home again, but here I am," she remarked, receiving a standing ovation from the audience as she began her set. "And if you thought the president hated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, buckle up, people, buckle up."

O’Donnell later discussed her decision to move to Ireland in 2025, following United States President Donald Trump’s re-election. "I’ve been living in Ireland for the past two years, because of Mango Mussolini, I read that Project 2025 and said, ‘Got to get myself out of here,' ” she recalled. Her child's reaction to the move was also shared, with the child telling the audience, “They went to school and proceeded to tell their entire class, ‘I’m very sorry.

I won’t be able to graduate sixth grade with you. I’m being forced to move to another country because the president of the United States hates my mother. But in all fairness, I believe my mother hates him more.'" O’Donnell then directed her attention towards Trump, addressing the camera and saying, "Hi, I know you’re watching." She teased the president one last time before concluding her monologue by joking, "And you know, right now he’s in the White House crying 'cause I haven’t mentioned him."

O’Donnell made sure not to mention Trump’s name during the monologue. Her appearance on the show came two months after Jimmy Kimmel announced he would be taking a voluntary break during the summer, with O’Donnell among several guest hosts selected to fill in. Kimmel had previously noted O’Donnell as one of his all-time favorite comedians, adding to the playful banter between the two.