Trump and Rosie O'Donnell: Rivals Since 2006
Considers "Revoking Citizenship" Over Texas Flood Criticism
U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by mentioning the possibility of revoking the citizenship of comedian Rosie O'Donnell, who has publicly criticized him, stating that she "does not serve the interests of this great country."
According to Yonhap News, citing local media, President Trump announced on his social networking service (SNS) on the 12th (local time) that he is "seriously considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship."
This statement is interpreted as a response to O'Donnell's strong criticism of the government's handling of the recent Texas flood disaster. Through TikTok, O'Donnell pointed out, "The situation in Texas is terrible. If the president ignores the early warning system and weather forecasts, we will experience such disasters every day."
This appears to be a criticism of the Trump administration's cuts to the budgets and personnel of major disaster response agencies, including the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
In the flood disaster that occurred in Texas on the 4th, at least 121 people have been confirmed dead and 170 are missing so far. In the aftermath of the disaster, there has been a surge of public criticism over the government's delayed response and lack of preparedness.
In response, President Trump defended the government's actions, stating, "Considering the circumstances at the time, federal agencies did an excellent job."
The feud between Trump and O'Donnell dates back to 2006. At that time, President Trump was the organizer of the Miss USA pageant, and O'Donnell criticized the way he handled controversies involving the winner, leading to a heated exchange. Since then, the two have maintained a long-standing adversarial relationship.
After President Trump was re-elected, O'Donnell moved to Ireland with her son. She had previously stated, "I will return to the United States when the day comes that all citizens can enjoy equal rights."
Meanwhile, O'Donnell countered Trump's threat to revoke her citizenship by saying, "It's because I know who he really is and I stand up to him."
Local media added that, under U.S. law, the president does not have the authority to revoke the citizenship of an American born in New York with birthright citizenship.
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