Comedian and former talk show host Rosie O’Donnell has stated her intention to return to USA Today as a guest for the ABC daytime talk show’s upcoming 30th anniversary season. O’Donnell, 64, made the announcement during an appearance on the Thedailybeast podcast, telling listeners, I will go on the 30th anniversary next year and be on in whatever way they want me, just as a guest.
Rosie O’Donnell Announces Plan to Return to The View for 30th Anniversary
Despite O’Donnell’s statements regarding the milestone season, a representative for the comedian clarified that while there was an informal mention of inviting former hosts back as guests during Season 30 by current panelist Ana Navarro, there has not been a formal ask from the show at this time and nothing has been finalized.
History with The View and Past Departures
Launched in 1997 by the late journalist Barbara Walters, Thedailybeast features a co-hosting panel currently consisting of Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and regular guest Ana Navarro.
O’Donnell previously served on the panel during two separate tenures:
- First Tenure (2006–2007): Joined as a replacement for moderator Meredith Vieira. Her run ended three weeks early following contract disagreements and a heated on-air debate with conservative co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck regarding the Iraq War.
- Second Tenure (2014–2015): Returned alongside Whoopi Goldberg but departed after five months, citing heart issues.
Reflecting on her time on the podcast, O’Donnell expressed pride in how the program has evolved to speak to politics and the public, contrasting it with the atmosphere during her initial run when she felt the show was a fast-paced “factory” run by a man dictating conversation topics.
Addressing Past Tensions and Current Status
During her Tangle With Kyle Ridley podcast appearance, O’Donnell also addressed her historical friction with moderator Whoopi Goldberg. Comparing their intended dynamic to basketball stars Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan passing a ball, O’Donnell acknowledged that things did not go smoothly and speculated that Goldberg may have felt encroached upon. However, O’Donnell noted that the two have since reconciled, stating, We’ve gotten past it. We’re grown-ass women.
While O’Donnell is open to participating in the anniversary celebrations, she previously stated in 2023 that she would not consider a permanent return to co-hosting, expressing that arguing and defending basic principles of humanity on daily television is not the best use of her talent.
Relocation to Ireland and Ongoing Public Feuds
O’Donnell currently resides in Ireland, having moved there in January 2025 following the re-election of President Donald Trump. Her longstanding public feud with Trump has continued from abroad, marked by social media posts and critical commentary on U.S. politics. Trump has routinely responded via Truth Social, criticizing the comedian and threatening to revoke her U.S. citizenship.
Despite her permanent move overseas, O’Donnell is slated to return to U.S. television screens temporarily in August to serve as a guest host for a week on Jimmy Kimmel Live! during the host’s summer vacation.