In a familiar display of hyperbole and misinformation, Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC’s *The View*, has once again landed in hot water—this time for suggesting that allegations of sexual misconduct are a prerequisite for serving in President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet. During a November segment, Goldberg claimed, “It seems like unless you have a sexual misconduct allegation, you can’t be in the cabinet.”
Goldberg’s incendiary remarks followed with an exaggerated assertion that “eleven people” in Trump’s cabinet picks had allegations against them, though the real number is only three, with none of the allegations proven. Her co-host Joy Behar eagerly piled on, joking that Trump’s administration seemed to operate on a standard akin to, “If you’re not indicted, you’re not invited.”
The sweeping generalizations and lack of factual grounding drew sharp criticism, particularly from conservatives who see *The View* as emblematic of left-leaning Hollywood’s disdain for Trump and his supporters. Conservative comedian and author Tim Young didn’t mince words, tweeting, “Whoopi Goldberg claimed every Trump cabinet pick is guilty of s*xual misconduct. This show and its hosts should be sued into oblivion.”
Goldberg’s comments were not just inaccurate but inflammatory, suggesting guilt without evidence—a recurring theme on *The View* since Trump’s election. Critics on social media highlighted the show’s frequent need to issue legal disclaimers, with one user wryly predicting, “I see another legal statement being read on *The View*.”
The show has indeed been forced to tread carefully, often issuing on-air “legal notes” to clarify or retract questionable claims made by its co-hosts. During the same segment, Goldberg appeared visibly frustrated by these disclaimers, questioning why they were necessary. She asked producer Brian Teta, “We have to do these legal notes each time to say what has been proven to be a fact. We have to deny it on their behalf, is that right?”
Teta calmly explained that the notes reflect official denials from the individuals discussed. However, Goldberg pressed on, saying, “I find it odd when everybody has seen it and they know that it’s not necessarily the truth.” Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin awkwardly tried to steer the discussion off-air, as tension mounted.
This isn’t the first time *The View* has faced criticism for its factually dubious commentary on Trump. The show’s hosts have made a habit of amplifying unproven accusations and indulging in inflammatory rhetoric, which many see as part of a broader effort to delegitimize Trump’s presidency.
For conservatives, Goldberg’s latest tirade is another example of Hollywood elites prioritizing sensationalism over facts. By perpetuating baseless claims and painting Trump’s cabinet picks as uniformly scandalous, Goldberg not only misleads her audience but also undermines her credibility.
As the country prepares for Trump’s administration to take office, one thing is clear: the partisan divide in media commentary is wider than ever. For many Americans, Goldberg’s remarks are less about holding power accountable and more about fanning the flames of division. Whether *The View* will learn from these repeated blunders remains to be seen, but for now, it appears the show is more committed to controversy than clarity.
