The White House has issued a warning to ABC’s “The View” following co-host Joy Behar’s comments about President Donald Trump. The administration suggested that the show could be “pulled off-air” amid reports of declining ratings.
The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, during the “Hot Topics” segment. Behar responded to Trump’s claims that former President Joe Biden “was trying to lead a coup.” She referenced the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident and suggested that Trump is envious of Biden because Biden represents qualities Trump lacks.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly, describing Behar as “an irrelevant loser suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Rogers noted that The View had experienced its lowest ratings in recent years, urging Behar to consider her alleged jealousy of Trump’s popularity before her show faces cancellation.
The statement from the White House comes amid changes in television programming. CBS announced in May 2026 that “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” would end after its current season, citing financial losses of approximately $44 million annually. While CBS indicated the decision was financial, some liberal commentators speculated about political reasons due to Colbert’s criticism of the Trump administration.
In response to the White House’s remarks, an ABC spokesperson defended the show’s performance, stating that “The View” has seen an increase in total viewers and among women aged 18-49 compared to similar weeks last season. The network emphasized that the program has remained the top-ranked show among all network daytime talk shows and news programs for five consecutive seasons.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr commented on the media landscape, noting on social media that reactions to Colbert’s cancellation revealed perceptions of him as a spokesperson rather than an entertainer subject to economic realities. Carr’s remarks fueled speculation about political pressure on media outlets critical of the administration.
The situation escalated on July 24 when Behar inadvertently disclosed during the opening of Thursday’s broadcast that “The View” would go on hiatus after Friday’s show. Her statement led to speculation about whether the timing was related to White House pressure, though sources familiar with the show’s schedule confirmed this was the program’s regularly planned summer break.
The show typically takes its summer hiatus in late July or early August and returns in September, following standard industry practices. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg confirmed at the episode’s conclusion that ABC would air encore presentations during the scheduled break.
The controversy arises from Trump’s ongoing conflict with Biden, which intensified when Trump accused Biden of criminal activity related to the Russia investigation. Biden’s spokesperson, Patrick Rodenbush, called Trump’s allegations “bizarre” and “ridiculous,” describing them as a distraction attempt.
During the July 23 episode, Behar’s co-host Sunny Hostin expressed similar views on Trump’s fixation with Biden, suggesting that both Joe and Jill Biden occupy significant mental space for the current president. Hostin specifically cited Biden’s Harvard-educated daughter and his overall demeanor as sources of Trump’s apparent frustration.
The White House’s strong response marks an escalation in its criticism of media figures who challenge Trump’s policies or character. Previous incidents included threats to media credentials and access restrictions for news organizations not aligning with administration preferences, such as the Associated Press being barred from Oval Office events for not using Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America” terminology.
Industry analysts note that the targeting of daytime television represents a shift beyond traditional late-night comedy shows. “The View” has maintained its critical stance on various political issues across multiple administrations, with Behar being one of the show’s prominent voices on political matters since its early years.
The show’s production team has previously acknowledged receiving advice from Disney executives about moderating criticism of Trump, though hosts have continued addressing political topics within those guidelines. The latest White House statement suggests an attempt to exert more direct influence over programming decisions through public pressure.
As “The View” prepares for its summer break, the show’s future remains uncertain. Despite external pressures, the program’s consistent ratings and established position in ABC’s lineup offer some protection, though the media landscape continues to evolve amid political tensions.
