The White House has issued a warning to ABC’s “The View” following critical remarks made by co-host Joy Behar about President Donald Trump. The warning suggested that the show could face cancellation amid claims of declining ratings.
The issue arose on July 23, 2025, during a segment of Hot Topics when Behar addressed Trump’s claims that former President Joe Biden “was trying to lead a coup.” Behar responded by bringing up the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident and suggested Trump is envious of Biden because he embodies qualities Trump does not.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers responded with a statement to Entertainment Weekly, labeling Behar “an irrelevant loser suffering from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Rogers claimed that The View had reached its lowest ratings in recent years and urged Behar to consider her alleged jealousy of Trump’s popularity before her show is canceled.
This statement from the White House comes amid changes in television programming. CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026, with the decision attributed to financial reasons, including losses of around $40 million annually. Some liberal commentators have speculated about political motivations due to Colbert’s frequent criticism of the Trump administration.
In response to the White House’s criticism, an ABC spokesperson defended the show’s performance, noting an increase in total viewers and among women aged 18-49 compared to the same weeks last season. The network stated that “The View” has been the top-rated show among all network daytime talk shows and news programs for five consecutive seasons.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr commented on the broader media landscape, suggesting on social media that reactions to Colbert’s cancellation revealed how some viewed him as a partisan figure rather than an entertainer affected by economic realities. Carr’s remarks fueled speculation about potential political pressure on media outlets critical of the administration.
The situation escalated on July 24 when Behar disclosed at the opening of Thursday’s broadcast that “The View” would go on hiatus after Friday’s show. This disclosure led to speculation about whether the timing was related to White House pressure, though sources familiar with the show’s schedule confirmed it was a planned summer break.
The show typically takes its summer hiatus in late July or early August, returning in September, which follows standard broadcast television industry practices. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg confirmed at the episode’s conclusion that ABC would air encore presentations during the break.
The controversy arises from Trump’s broader conflict with Biden, which intensified when Trump accused his predecessor of criminal activity related to the Russia investigation. Biden’s spokesperson Patrick Rodenbush issued a rebuttal, calling Trump’s allegations “bizarre” and “ridiculous,” describing them as a weak attempt at distraction.
During the July 23 episode, Behar’s co-host Sunny Hostin echoed similar views about Trump’s fixation on Biden, stating that both Joe and Jill Biden occupy significant mental space for the president. Hostin specifically mentioned Biden’s education and demeanor as persistent sources of Trump’s apparent frustration.
The White House’s response represents an escalation in its criticism of media figures who challenge Trump’s policies or character. Previous incidents have included threats to media credentials and access restrictions for news organizations that do not align with administration preferences, such as the Associated Press being barred from Oval Office events for refusing to use Trump’s preferred terminology.
Industry observers note that targeting daytime television expands beyond traditional late-night comedy shows. “The View” has consistently addressed various political issues across multiple administrations, with Behar being one of the show’s most vocal political commentators since its early years.
The production team of the show has previously acknowledged receiving guidance from Disney executives about moderating criticism of Trump, though hosts have continued to address political topics within those limits. The current White House statement suggests the administration may be seeking to exert more direct influence over programming decisions through public pressure.
As “The View” enters its summer hiatus, the show’s future remains uncertain. Its consistent ratings and long-standing place in ABC’s lineup provide some protection against external pressure, though the media landscape continues to evolve amid political tensions.
