Is 'The View' Bringing in Pro-Trump Voices? ABC Speaks Out

 

ABC News has refuted allegations that The View is "scrambling to bring in pro-Donald Trump voices" to balance criticisms directed at the president-elect.  

The daytime talk show, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, frequently delves into political topics alongside discussions of everyday issues. Recently, the panel debated Trump’s cabinet picks and reflected on Kamala Harris’ election loss.  

On Wednesday, the New York Post published a report claiming ABC News Group President Debra O’Connell and ABC News head Almin Karamehmedovic have been "holding high-level meetings" to recruit a pro-Trump panelist. However, ABC News has categorically denied this in a statement to Newsweek.  

“This report is not true. The View is an opinion-based show featuring a diverse panel of women with varying perspectives. The current lineup is resonating with audiences, as evidenced by the show achieving its highest-rated episode in more than a decade and a four-year high in total viewers,” an ABC News spokesperson stated.  

The *Post*, citing an unnamed source, suggested *The View* was under “pressure from higher-ups” to include a pro-Trump voice, claiming, “Viewers can expect changes, including panelists who offer a pro-Trump perspective.” The source alleged ABC leaders fear alienating Trump-supporting viewers, given that “everyone on The View endorsed Kamala Harris, and they lost.”  

ABC News, however, maintains there are no plans to alter the show’s format or panel.  

This week, *The View* hosts critiqued Trump’s administration picks, approving some while expressing skepticism about others. Hostin mocked the appointments, likening them to contestants on The Apprentice.  

Concerns arose over Trump’s choice of Matt Gaetz for attorney general, as Gaetz has faced allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit behavior, though he denies wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Navarro and Griffin expressed cautious optimism about Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Michael Waltz as National Security Adviser.  

Griffin praised Rubio’s expertise, citing his tenure on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, while Navarro lauded his focus on Latin American relations. Griffin added that Waltz, a former Green Beret, brings valuable combat experience and strategic insight.  

However, Trump’s pick of Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense drew criticism. Griffin questioned his qualifications, citing his lack of Pentagon experience, saying, “It appears Trump selected him for his disruptive approach rather than his policy expertise.”  

Despite ongoing speculation, The View remains committed to its current structure, presenting varied viewpoints on politics and beyond.