On Tuesday, the co-hosts of “The View” found themselves grappling with the reality of Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. They visibly struggled to come to terms with his inauguration as the 47th president, a move that’s been met with varied reactions. Notably, Ana Navarro pointed out that the swearing-in coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which provided a contrasting backdrop to the day’s events.
Two of the co-hosts, Ana Navarro and Sunny Hostin, candidly admitted to skipping Trump’s inauguration and his presidential address. This choice perhaps reflects an unwillingness to engage with a political reality they oppose. Joy Behar, however, decided to watch Trump’s speech in its entirety, albeit with a hint of sarcasm. She said, “What better way to unify the country than ripping families apart and punishing anyone who doesn’t fall in line? So, I watched the whole thing because I have a certain masochistic streak in me,” a statement suggesting she viewed the speech with a critical eye but nonetheless engaged with it directly.
Meanwhile, Sara Haines opted only to listen to Trump’s speech, bypassing the accompanying celebrations. Despite not voting for Trump, she felt compelled to hear his vision for the country. Afterward, she expressed skepticism, questioning the disconnect between Trump’s portrayal of America and her perception of it. Referencing the solemn tone of Trump’s address, she remarked, “I just kind of felt this dark feeling and then he had this kind of martyr-like, ‘you guys are downtrodden and almost irreparable’ … It had this God-like complex without any Jesus qualities.”
Sunny Hostin chose the path of peace by focusing on Martin Luther King Jr. Day rather than witnessing the inauguration. Hostin critiqued Trump’s rise to power, branding him a “DEI hire”—an allusion to diversity, equity, and inclusion procedures—implying he lacked the credentials typically associated with the presidency. She remarked, “You’re talking about a man who didn’t become the President of the United States because of merit. He had no political experience, he had no business experience. He was given everything he has. He is a legacy hire, he is a DEI hire, a ‘didn’t earn it’ hire,” reflecting a common critique among Trump’s detractors.
Ana Navarro, occupying a physical and mental distance from the events in Washington, D.C., reflected on the role of media in shaping perceptions of political reality. While attending a funeral in Guatemala, which underscored for her the ephemerality of life, she chose not to engage in activities that bring no joy, such as watching Trump’s inauguration. She did, however, read the speech and stay informed via other channels. “First of all, I’m going to pray for America. I’m also going to say, you know, he calls himself a peacemaker. He wants to invade Panama, people!” noted Navarro, illustrating the fears some hold regarding Trump’s potential foreign policy actions.
In a more conciliatory tone, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin acknowledged that Trump’s presidency, regardless of differing viewpoints, is now a part of American history that must be accepted.
While these perspectives from “The View” underscore the division and tension surrounding Trump’s return, supporters view his presidency as a continuation of policies they believe will strengthen the nation. Trump’s direct rhetoric and unconventional approach have garnered him a strong following that sees him as an agent of necessary change in the political landscape.
