‘Morale Low’ at ‘The View’ After Hosts Asked to Dial Back Trump Criticisms: Sources
Tensions are reportedly running high behind the scenes at The View,
as staffers and hosts face mounting pressure to soften their rhetoric on former President Donald Trump.
The popular daytime talk show, known for its often heated political debates, has allegedly been urged to ease up on its anti-Trump commentary.
According to insiders, this directive—combined with recent layoffs and cost-cutting measures—has left morale at an all-time low.
Pressure to Ease Up on Trump Discussions
Multiple sources claim that Brian Teta, the show’s executive producer, addressed the staff in the days leading up to Trump’s return to office,
advising them to take a less aggressive stance in their discussions about him. This came after a particularly embarrassing incident in November, when the hosts were required to issue four separate legal disclaimers during a segment discussing allegations against Trump’s cabinet nominees.
Since then, the show’s panelists—Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro—have noticeably adjusted their approach. While they continue to express their views, some have admitted to reassessing their perspectives.
Haines, for instance, acknowledged that she and her co-hosts may be out of touch with a large segment of the American population, pointing out that none of them had voted for Trump. Griffin, a former Trump administration official, has even gone so far as to express agreement with some of his policies. She recently attempted to encourage Goldberg to find common ground with Trump supporters, though Goldberg remained skeptical.
Despite reports of pressure to moderate their views, a source close to the show has denied that the hosts have been explicitly told to hold back.
“No one holds back their opinions on The View,” the source told The Post. “It’s a place for dynamic conversations from diverse points of view. That’s what makes it so popular.”
Internal Struggles and Staff Layoffs
The alleged shift in tone isn’t the only issue troubling The View. Staff members are reportedly still reeling from a recent round of layoffs. At least nine employees, including two well-respected senior producers, Jamie Hammer and Audrey Jones, were let go. The cuts were part of a larger cost-saving effort by ABC’s parent company, Disney.
An insider described the layoffs as shocking, particularly given the experience and reputation of those affected. The uncertainty has created a tense work environment, with many employees feeling anxious about potential future cuts.
“Everybody is waiting for the other shoe to drop,” said one source. “There’s a lot of anxiety, even though they just went through layoffs.”
Adding to the tension, Disney recently reached a $16 million settlement with Trump over a defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who incorrectly stated that Trump had been found liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case. Trump had actually been found liable for sexual abuse, a distinction that became a major point of contention.
Studio Tensions with Tamron Hall’s Show
Beyond the political pressures and staffing cuts, The View’s hosts are also frustrated by logistical issues in their new workspace. Since ABC News relocated its productions to a new studio in downtown Manhattan’s Hudson Square, the show has been forced to share a set and dressing rooms with The Tamron Hall Show.
Sources say that the arrangement has created friction, as The View’s guests must now share dressing rooms with guests from Hall’s show, something the hosts are not pleased about. Additionally, staffers can no longer leave personal belongings on set overnight due to the shared space.
There have also been scheduling conflicts between the two programs, leading to clashes over taping times. One source claimed that Hall’s attitude has contributed to the tensions.
“Tamron Hall thinks she’s Oprah. She is very demanding,” the insider alleged. “She doesn’t realize she’s playing second fiddle to The View.”
However, another source familiar with both productions praised the teams for successfully coordinating their schedules, stating, “Kudos to both productions for seamlessly working together to bring our viewers several hours of television each week.”
Unhappiness with the Network’s Move
On top of everything else, many ABC News staffers are unhappy with the network’s decision to move from the Upper West Side to Hudson Square, which some have described as a “no man’s land.”
The new location near the Holland Tunnel has been met with criticism due to its lack of accessibility and amenities. Employees have also voiced concerns about the workspace setup, claiming there aren’t enough desks, forcing many workers to make do with lockers and drawers instead of personal offices.
A network spokesperson disputed these claims, insisting, “There are plenty of desks and space to accommodate everyone. The building is gorgeous.”
Despite the official statement, a staff insider pushed back, saying, “Everyone at ABC News hates the studio downtown.”
Looking Ahead
While The View has continued to hold steady in the ratings, averaging around 2.6 million viewers in the weeks following Trump’s re-election, the internal struggles appear to be mounting. With tensions running high over content restrictions, staffing changes, and workspace issues, the show’s future direction remains uncertain.
Whether the hosts will continue to pull back on their Trump critiques or push back against the reported pressure remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the drama on The View is just as intense behind the scenes as it is on air.
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