Whoopi Goldberg Rejects Claim That Black People Didn't Benefit from DEI

The View co-host argues that critics often conflate Black Americans with broader debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Actress and The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg sparked discussion this week during a segment on The View when she reacted to a guest's defense of former President Donald Trump and rebutted criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Goldberg did not directly say that Black Americans 'didn't benefit from DEI,' but argued that some critics confuse individual people with what 'DEI' represents in political discourse.

Why it matters

Goldberg's comments highlight how debates over DEI initiatives often intersect with broader political battles over race, history, and access to education and employment. Critics have accused Goldberg of suggesting Black Americans did not benefit from DEI, but reporting shows her focus was on how the term 'DEI' is used rhetorically by some commentators.

The details

During the show's 'Hot Topics' segment, guest host Savannah Chrisley defended Trump against accusations of racism, recounting personal anecdotes and asserting that Trump had helped a Black friend. Goldberg and her co-hosts strongly disagreed, citing Trump's past remarks and actions and arguing that critics frequently conflate Black Americans with broader debates over DEI initiatives.

  • The segment aired on The View on February 19, 2026.

The players

Whoopi Goldberg

Actress and co-host of The View.

Savannah Chrisley

Guest host on The View who defended former President Donald Trump against accusations of racism.

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What they’re saying

“There seems to be no ability in his mind to distinguish between Black people and what DEI is.”

— Whoopi Goldberg, Co-host, The View (The View)

The takeaway

Goldberg's comments highlight how debates over DEI initiatives often intersect with broader political battles over race, history, and access to education and employment. Critics have accused Goldberg of suggesting Black Americans did not benefit from DEI, but reporting shows her focus was on how the term 'DEI' is used rhetorically by some commentators.