The View' Co-Hosts Clash Over Embracing Ex-Trump Supporters

Ilhan Omar's call for grace toward former Trump backers like Marjorie Taylor Greene sparks heated on-air debate

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:55am

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A highly stylized, abstract painting in deep red, navy, and charcoal tones, featuring a fragmented and distorted image of a political podium or lectern, conveying the fractured and divisive nature of the debate over former Trump supporters.The heated debate on 'The View' over whether to embrace or reject former Trump supporters reflects the ongoing political tensions and challenges of reconciliation.NYC Today

The co-hosts of 'The View' engaged in a heated debate over whether former Trump supporters like ex-Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene should be welcomed into the fold now that they have turned against the former president. Co-host Joy Behar argued for embracing the 'never-Trumpers' and 'non-Trumpers,' while Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines pushed back, saying Greene's past actions and ideology make her unworthy of such acceptance.

Why it matters

The debate highlights the broader political tensions around whether to forgive or reject those who previously supported Trump and his divisive agenda. As the former president's influence wanes, there are questions about how to reintegrate his former backers into the political mainstream.

The details

The discussion was sparked by comments from Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who suggested Democrats should act with grace toward ex-Trump supporters who have broken with him. Co-host Whoopi Goldberg played clips of Greene's past interviews, in which she has criticized Trump and urged people to 'open their eyes.' Behar argued for welcoming Greene and others like her, saying 'there's a lot of room for the never-Trumpers and the non-Trumpers.' But Hostin and Haines pushed back, with Hostin saying Greene's past actions make her unforgivable. The debate grew heated, with the co-hosts clashing over whether to embrace or reject former Trump supporters.

  • In November 2025, while still in Congress, Greene praised The View co-hosts for their civility.
  • In January 2026, immediately after leaving Congress, Greene rejected pleas from the liberal co-hosts to become a Democrat.

The players

Joy Behar

A co-host of 'The View' who argued for embracing former Trump supporters like Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Sunny Hostin

A co-host of 'The View' who strongly disagreed with Behar, saying Greene's past actions make her unforgivable.

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Republican Congresswoman from Georgia who has recently criticized Trump and urged people to 'open their eyes' about him.

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic Congresswoman from Minnesota who suggested Democrats should act with grace toward ex-Trump supporters.

Whoopi Goldberg

The moderator of 'The View' who sparked the discussion by playing clips of Marjorie Taylor Greene's past interviews.

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What they’re saying

“They both have major issues. They recognize things they've said in the past about each other that are horrendous, on both sides actually, but it seems to me that they are seeing the emergency we're in right now with Trump and the White House.”

— Joy Behar, Co-host, The View

“So, these details matter. Just because she agrees, 'Oh, I don't like Trump,' I'm not like, 'Great, welcome aboard.' You've got to look at the character of the people you're speaking of.”

— Sara Haines, Co-host, The View

“We should reject her altogether. I'm sorry, Joy.”

— Sunny Hostin, Co-host, The View

“Why are you so welcoming, Joy?”

— Sunny Hostin, Co-host, The View

“I don't hold grudges. If they want to come over to my side, I'm taking them. [Greene] speaks to the MAGA base.”

— Joy Behar, Co-host, The View

The takeaway

The debate on 'The View' reflects the broader political tensions around whether to forgive or reject former Trump supporters as the former president's influence wanes. While some argue for embracing those who have turned against Trump, others say their past actions and ideology make them unworthy of such acceptance, underscoring the challenges of political reconciliation.