Arts & Entertainment
Rosie O’Donnell speculated Barron Trump had autism because of daughter
the star wrote a poem explaining the tweet
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Rosie O’Donnell came under fire last week after tweeting a video that speculated Donald Trump’s 10-year-old son Barron is autistic. O’Donnell is now explaining that the tweet came from a good place because her own daughter is autistic.
“Barron Trump Autistic?” O’Donnell, 54, tweeted along with a video that analyzes Barron’s behavior for autism. “If so — what an amazing opportunity to bring attention to the AUTISM epidemic.”
In a poem posted on her blog, O’Donnell revealed that her daughter Dakota has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism. She says her daughter’s diagnosis led to her interest in the topic and is why she tweeted about Barron.
“I have been immersed in that world/reality since learning – reading – asking questions it’s all autism – all the time for the newly diagnosed,” O’Donnell writes. “As we try to grab onto anything to keep us standing the knowledge we r not alone there r others living this too.”
“When I saw the anti-bullying video that mentioned Barron it spoke to the symptoms many ASD kids have it was educational and informational these symptoms so many do not understand – I thought – how amazing IF IF it is true,” O’Donnell continued. “If it is true – I tweeted from my heart it would help so much with the autism epidemic.”
Even though O’Donnell and Trump have been battling each other for the past decade, O’Donnell insists her tweet about Barron wasn’t meant to be an attack on the president-elect.
“This autism subject had nothing to do with Donald though I admit he does trigger me in all ways. I have no ill will for his children – or any children – and if you knew anything about me you would know that,” O’Donnell writes.
According to TMZ, Melania Trump has hired lawyer Charles J. Harder to go after the person who posted the original YouTube video. In a letter obtained by TMZ, O’Donnell’s tweet is referred to as “bullying.”
“The video allegedly seeks to ‘stop the bullying’ of Barron Trump. Not true … The video did instigate further bullying by Rosie O’Donnell and others,” the letter reads.
The soon-to-be first lady does not have intentions to sue O’Donnell but is serious about getting the owner of the video to take it down.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Calendar: May 23-29
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